In the opening T20I against Bangladesh on May 25, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Hasan Ali delivered a career-best performance, claiming 5 wickets for 30 runs. This remarkable feat not only marked his return to T20I cricket after a year but also played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 34-run victory, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Hasan Ali’s Match-Winning Spell
Hasan Ali’s five-wicket haul dismantled Bangladesh’s batting lineup. He struck early, removing both openers, and returned to dismiss key middle and lower-order batsmen, including Jaker Ali, Tanzim Hasan, and Shoriful Islam. His ability to swing the ball and maintain pressure throughout his spell was instrumental in restricting Bangladesh to 167/9 in their chase of 202.
Comparative Analysis: Hasan Ali vs. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf
To contextualize Hasan Ali’s performance, let’s compare it with the recent T20I performances of Pakistan’s other premier fast bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.
Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi, known for his pace and swing, has been a consistent performer for Pakistan. In the 2023–24 series against New Zealand, he was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker with 9 wickets in 5 matches. However, in the recent T20I series against Ireland in May 2024, he managed to take 7 wickets in 3 matches, showcasing his continued impact. WikipediaWikipedia
Naseem Shah
Naseem Shah, the young pace sensation, has shown promise in his T20I outings. In 2024, he played 2 T20I matches, taking 3 wickets with an average of 33.33 and an economy rate of 3.27. While his opportunities have been limited, his performances indicate potential for growth in the shorter format.NDTVSports.com
Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf has emerged as Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, surpassing Shadab Khan with 109 wickets in 76 matches as of December 2024. His recent performances include a 2-wicket haul against Zimbabwe, where he achieved this milestone. Rauf’s ability to deliver in crucial moments has solidified his position as a key bowler in Pakistan’s T20 setup.ARY NEWS
Conclusion
Hasan Ali’s exceptional 5/30 against Bangladesh not only marked a personal milestone but also highlighted the depth and versatility of Pakistan’s pace attack. While Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have been consistent performers, and Naseem Shah shows great potential, Hasan’s recent performance adds a competitive edge to the selection dynamics, promising exciting prospects for Pakistan’s bowling arsenal in upcoming matches.
By Awais Haider
