Who would have expected such a one-sided contest in the first ODI of the Bangladesh-Pakistan three-match series! Although the match was scheduled for 100 overs across two innings, it was wrapped up in just 45.5 overs. The star of the show was Bangladesh’s pace sensation Nahid Rana, whose fiery bowling exposed Pakistan’s fragile batting.
On Wednesday at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Pakistan was bundled out for just 114 runs in Nahid’s career-best performance. A whirlwind fifty from Tanzid Hasan powered Bangladesh to a 209-run chase, winning with 8 wickets in hand and 209 deliveries to spare.
Following such a dominant return to ODI cricket almost after five months, Bangladesh spent the next day resting.There were no practice sessions or media commitments, and Pakistan followed the same schedule. Team manager Nafis Iqbal revealed that both teams even shared iftar together on Thursday.
Refreshed from their commanding victory, Bangladesh takes the field today with the momentum of the opener, looking to secure a second series win against Pakistan with one match remaining.. Prior to this series, Bangladesh had beaten West Indies at home, with Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar putting on a 176-run opening stand in the final ODI of that series.
A win in this game on Friday would push Bangladesh up to ninth in the ODI rankings with 80 points. Currently, Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s team sits tenth with 76 rating points. A win over Pakistan, completing a series whitewash, would increase their points to 81 even if their position remains the same.
To secure direct qualification for the main stage of the upcoming ODI World Cup, Bangladesh must be among the top eight teams in the rankings by March 31, 2027, otherwise they will need to play the qualifying tournament.
Bangladesh still has more ODI assignments after the Pakistan series. New Zealand is scheduled to tour in April for a three-match ODI series. The team has little breathing room. Across home and away fixtures, Bangladesh has 23 ODIs planned, including a three-match series against India at home if that tour proceeds.
The bowlers are in electric form. However, in the series opener Rishad Hossain bowled just 2 overs and Mustafizur Rahman only 4.4 overs, yet Pakistan coach Mike Hesson highlighted Nahid Rana as the X-factor.
That luxury may not last. Pakistan, stung and embarrassed, will be a different proposition today.
Speaking at a press conference, Hesson said, “The wicket was fine and played well. I think Nahid Rana was exceptional. Until he came into the game, we were ticking along, but he changed the game. He bowled into the wicket and created variation and bounce, which he can do with that pace. We didn’t respond as well as we needed to, so all credit to him.”
Despite the first-match loss, Hesson added, “We’ll look forward to the next game. We won’t underestimate the fact that we were poor and exposed with the bat. All of us need to step up and deliver a better performance. We’ll aim to do that in games two and three.”
Nahid Rana also spoke about the series, saying, “No team should be underestimated. Cricket is a game of ups and downs, and any team can bounce back at any time. Surely, in the next match, Pakistan will correct their mistakes and come back stronger, but Bangladesh will not back down. Our focus will be on maintaining and improving the strong aspects of our game over the long term.”
In the ODI squad, the battle for the opening slots is heating up. In the final ODI against West Indies, Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar shared a 176-run opening partnership. After nearly five months, Soumya was replaced by Tanzid for the Pakistan series opener. Chasing a modest target, the new opening pair scored just 27 runs, but Tanzid saw Bangladesh through, finishing 67 off 42 balls with 7 fours and 5 sixes. It was his first fifty in nine innings, providing a welcome boost of confidence.
For the second match, the opening combination remains unchanged. Questions remain about Soumya’s benching. A member of the selection panel, speaking to Times of Bangladesh on condition of anonymity, explained, “According to the process, Soumya should have played. But if you look at the latest BCL and compare the three openers’ performances, the team management and captain prioritized domestic form.”
While the opening pair is set, the new middle order is yet to be tested. Litton Das and Afif Hossain will carry the bulk of the responsibility. In the previous match, Litton faced only 6 balls and Afif did not bat, leaving their performance in the middle order an open question.
That luxury may not last. Pakistan, stung and embarrassed, will be a different proposition today.
