Bangladesh staged an impressive fightback with the ball to restrict Pakistan to 274 in 47.3 overs in the first ODI of the series at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Friday.
Asked to field first after winning the toss, the Tigers endured a difficult start as Pakistan raced away in the powerplay through an aggressive opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat.
The pair added 103 runs for the opening wicket in just 12.6 overs, putting Bangladesh under early pressure.
Sadaqat led the charge with a fluent 75 off 46 balls, striking six fours and five sixes, while Farhan contributed 31 from 46 deliveries before falling to Taskin Ahmed.
Bangladesh gradually wrestled back control after the breakthrough. Nahid Rana removed Shamyl Hussain for 6, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck twice to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan and Farhan as Pakistan’s momentum slowed.
Rizwan tried to rebuild the innings with a measured 44 off 59 balls, sharing a crucial stand with Salman Agha that briefly revived Pakistan’s hopes of a bigger total.
Agha top-scored with 64 from 62 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes, and together with Rizwan added 109 runs for the fourth wicket.
But Bangladesh delivered a decisive blow late in the partnership, removing both batters at 231 within the space of three deliveries.
The double strike triggered a collapse as Pakistan lost their remaining six wickets for just 43 runs.
Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain was the most successful bowler with 3 for 56, while Miraz claimed 2 for 34. Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana and Mustafizur Rahman picked up a wicket each.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 274, giving Bangladesh a competitive but manageable target.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
