In a stunning display of dominance, Bangladesh secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the opening match of their bilateral one-day international series. The match, held in Mirpur, saw Pakistan bowled out for a record low total of 114 runs, marking their lowest score against Bangladesh in ODI history. This defeat eclipsed their previous low of 161 runs, set during the 1999 World Cup.
The standout performer for Bangladesh was 23-year-old pace bowler Nahid Rana, who achieved his first five-wicket haul in ODIs. Rana’s exceptional bowling figures of 5 for 24 played a crucial role in dismantling the Pakistani batting lineup, as he became the first Bangladeshi bowler to dismiss the top five batters of the opposition in a single ODI innings. His victims included Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Agha, leading to Pakistan’s collapse at 69 for 5.
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz also contributed significantly with the ball, taking three wickets for 29 runs. Senior bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman chipped in with one wicket each. Despite a brief resistance from Faheem Ashraf, who scored 37 runs, Pakistan was ultimately bowled out in just 30.4 overs.
In response, Bangladesh chased down the target with ease, completing the innings in 15.1 overs. Opener Tanzid Hasan was the star with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 67 runs off 42 balls. He formed a solid second-wicket partnership of 82 runs with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who contributed 27 runs. Saif Hassan’s early dismissal for four runs was inconsequential as Bangladesh cruised to victory.
This match marks a significant milestone in Nahid Rana’s career, as he had previously taken only five wickets in his first five ODI matches before this standout performance. He is now only the second Bangladeshi bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in ODIs, following Mustafizur Rahman’s 5 for 75 during the 2019 World Cup. Bangladesh now leads the three-match series 1-0, setting a strong tone for the upcoming contests.
