Bangladesh suffered a heavy setback as Pakistan secured a comprehensive 128-run victory to level the ODI series. The rain-affected contest at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur saw the hosts bowled out for just 114 while chasing a revised target.
Bangladesh were struggling at 27 for 3 in 6.3 overs when rain forced an interruption. Under the rain rule, their target was reset to 243 runs in 32 overs, leaving Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy needing 216 from the remaining 25.3 overs. Despite a promising stand between the pair, regular wickets derailed the chase and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s side were eventually dismissed well short of the target.
Pakistan’s victory brought the three-match series level at 1-1. In the opening ODI, Bangladesh had recorded an emphatic eight-wicket win after bowling out the visitors for just 114. However, the second match followed a contrasting script as the home side were bundled out for the identical total. Litton top-scored with 41, while Hridoy contributed 28. Haris Rauf and Maaz Sadaqat claimed three wickets apiece.
Chasing 276, Bangladesh made a poor start, losing both openers early. Tanzid Tamim fell for 1 and Saif Hassan departed for 12 with the score on 13. Najmul Hossain Shanto was then bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi without scoring. Litton and Hridoy attempted to rebuild before strong winds and heavy rain forced the players off the field.
After the revised target was set, the duo adopted an aggressive approach, adding 58 runs before Litton was trapped lbw by Sadakat after striking four fours and two sixes in a 33-ball 41. The young spinner also removed Afif Hossain for 14, while Miraz (1) and Rishad Hossain (2) failed to make an impact. Hridoy, who had initially looked fluent, eventually fell for 28 from 38 balls.
Bangladesh then lost their final six wickets for just 19 runs, even though 51 deliveries remained. The 128-run defeat means the third and final ODI on 15 March in Mirpur will decide the series.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 275 after useful contributions from Sadaqat (75), Salman Ali Agha (64) and Mohammad Rizwan (44). Rishad was Bangladesh’s most successful bowler with three wickets, while Miraz took two and three others shared the remaining dismissals.
