Pakistan has secured a commanding victory over Bangladesh in the second One Day International (ODI), triumphing by 128 runs under the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method. The match, held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, was significantly impacted by a lengthy rain and hailstorm delay, ultimately leading to a revised target for the home side.
Maaz Sadaqat Stars in Dominant Pakistan Performance
The standout performer of the day was undoubtedly Pakistan’s Maaz Sadaqat. He played a crucial role with both bat and ball, smashing a rapid 75 runs for Pakistan before returning to claim three vital wickets during Bangladesh’s chase. His all-round performance was instrumental in Pakistan’s comprehensive win.
Bangladesh Collapses Under Revised Target
Chasing a recalculated target of 243 runs from 32 overs following a two-hour interruption for severe weather, Bangladesh’s batting lineup faltered dramatically. They were eventually bowled out for 114 in 23.3 overs. Despite a brief resurgence from Litton Das, the Pakistani bowlers maintained relentless pressure, ensuring a comfortable win.
Early Wickets Put Bangladesh on the Back Foot
Even before the weather intervened, Bangladesh found themselves in precarious territory. Their innings began with the early loss of Tanzid Hasan, who was caught at backward square leg off the bowling of Shaheen Shah Afridi for just one run. Saif Hassan followed soon after, departing for 12 after offering a catch to short mid-off off the bowling of Mohammad Wasim Jr.
The situation worsened for the hosts when their captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, was clean bowled by Afridi for a golden duck. This left Bangladesh in dire straits at 27 for 3 in just 6.3 overs when a sudden and intense thunderstorm, accompanied by hailstones, forced the players off the field.
Litton Das’s Brief Fightback and Sadaqat’s Impact
Upon resumption of play, Litton Das attempted to spearhead a recovery for Bangladesh. He managed to hit a few boundaries, including two sixes, in a determined effort to keep his team in the hunt. However, his fight was cut short when he was trapped lbw by Pakistan’s part-time spinner, Maaz Sadaqat, for a valuable 41 runs.
Other batsmen struggled to build significant partnerships. Tawhid Hridoy contributed 28 runs from 38 balls before also being dismissed lbw, this time to Haris Rauf. Afif Hossain managed 14 runs before becoming Sadaqat’s second victim. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz could only muster a single run as Bangladesh’s innings rapidly disintegrated.
Dominant Bowling Effort Seals the Win
The Pakistani bowling attack was exceptional throughout Bangladesh’s chase. Haris Rauf and Maaz Sadaqat were the chief destroyers, with both bowlers claiming three wickets apiece. Their disciplined and aggressive bowling ensured that Bangladesh never got close to the revised target, capping off a dominant bowling performance for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Strong Batting Effort Despite Late Collapse
Earlier in the day, Pakistan had posted a competitive total of 274 all out in 47.3 overs. They had started their innings with a blistering pace, reaching 103 for the opening wicket within the first 13 overs, thanks to a rapid partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat.
Sadaqat continued his impressive form with the bat, scoring a quickfire 75 runs off just 46 balls, which included six boundaries and five towering sixes. Sahibzada Farhan contributed 31 runs before being dismissed by Taskin Ahmed.
Later in the innings, Salman Agha became Pakistan’s top scorer with a well-compiled 64 from 62 balls. He shared a crucial 109-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan, who made 44 runs. Agha’s innings, however, ended in a dramatic and somewhat bizarre run-out at the non-striker’s end, initiated by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. This incident led to animated exchanges on the field, highlighting the competitive nature of the match.
Despite the late collapse, where they lost their last wickets quickly, Pakistan’s total of 274 proved to be more than sufficient. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain was the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers, finishing with figures of 3 for 56, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Pakistan from setting up a winning position. The strong batting performance, coupled with their bowling prowess, underscored Pakistan’s superior performance in the second ODI.
