Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Bangladesh produced a dominant performance to defeat Pakistan by eight wickets in the first ODI and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The hosts were outstanding with both ball and bat, comfortably chasing down the small target of 115 in just 15.1 overs. It was Bangladesh’s first win over Pakistan since the 2018 Asia Cup, making the victory even more special for the home crowd.
The match was largely decided during Pakistan’s batting innings. Pakistan started steadily with Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat putting together a 41-run opening partnership, but things quickly fell apart once the first wicket fell. Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana delivered a fiery spell that completely changed the game, ripping through Pakistan’s top and middle order. He picked up five wickets and could have had a sixth as well, but Bangladesh chose not to review an LBW decision against Faheem Ashraf. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz also played his part with three wickets, leaving Pakistan struggling at regular intervals. Only Faheem Ashraf, who scored 37, offered some resistance late in the innings to push Pakistan to 114 all out in 30.4 overs.Chasing the modest target, Bangladesh made the task look easy. Tanzid Hasan Tamim led the charge with a brilliant 67 not out off 42 balls, smashing seven fours and five sixes and attacking Pakistan’s spinners confidently. He was well supported by Najmul Hossain Shanto, who added 27, as the pair built a strong partnership to take the game away from Pakistan.Pakistan managed just two wickets during the chase, with Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Wasim Jr picking up one each, but the bowlers failed to put any real pressure on the Bangladeshi batters. In the end, Bangladesh sealed a comfortable win and handed Pakistan a heavy defeat to start the three-match series.
