Salman Ali Agha hails team effort after Pakistan’s dominant win over Bangladesh

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha credited team effort for their comprehensive 37-run victory over Bangladesh in the first T20I of the three-match series here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

Reflecting on the victory, Agha lauded the batting unit's collective effort to breach the 200-run barrier despite the dismal start before emphasizing that a complete all-round performance is what he craves from his team.

"After being 5/2, it was great to see everyone contribute to reach 200-plus," said Agha.

"That's exactly the team effort we want - performing well in all three departments. We encourage players to back themselves and take the initiative," he added.

Agha specifically praised Hasan Ali for his five-wicket haul, revealing that people are saying that he was bowling like he used to in 2017, the year Pakistan won the ICC Men's Champions Trophy.

"Hasan Ali has been phenomenal — people are saying he's bowling like it's 2017 again. His hard work is paying off, first in the PSL and now tonight," Agha stated.

While responding to a question regarding plenty of all-rounders in the team, Agha, an all-rounder himself, termed it a real luxury, asserting that it provides him with a handful of quality options.

"Our all-rounders are a real luxury. Even Saim Ayub can bowl his full four overs. With so many quality all-round options, we're in a great position," he concluded. 

Pakistan will play the second T20I of the series today, Friday, May 30, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.