Bangladesh secured a dominant eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the opening match of their bilateral series. The win was fuelled by a stellar performance from Nahid Rana, who claimed his first five-wicket haul in one-day internationals.
Rana’s Five-For Sinks Pakistan
Nahid Rana’s figures of 5-24 were instrumental in skittling out Pakistan for 114. This total marked Pakistan’s lowest ODI total against Bangladesh, eclipsing the previous low of 161 during the 1999 World Cup.
The 23-year-old ripped through Pakistan’s top order. He became the first Bangladeshi bowler to dismiss the opposition’s top five batters in an ODI innings.
Rana removed Sahibzada Farhan (27), Shamyl Hussain (4), Maaz Sadaqat (18), Mohammad Rizwan (10) and Salman Agha (5) as Pakistan slumped to 69-5.
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided ample support, taking 3-29 with his off-spin. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman each took one wicket.
Faheem Ashraf offered some resistance with 37 before being dismissed by Mustafizur. Pakistan were eventually bowled out in 30.4 overs.
Tanzid Hasan Guides Comfortable Chase
Bangladesh overhauled the target in just 15.1 overs. Opener Tanzid Hasan led the charge with an unbeaten 67 off 42 balls.
Tanzid Hasan forged an 82-run second-wicket partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who contributed 27. Saif Hassan fell early for four, while Litton Das remained unbeaten on three with Tanzid.
A Breakthrough Performance for Rana
The performance marked a breakthrough in Nahid’s young ODI career since his debut in 2024. Before this match, he had only taken five wickets in his first five matches.
- Nahid is now only the second Bangladeshi bowler to take a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in ODIs.
- Mustafizur claimed 5-75 during the 2019 World Cup.
With this victory, Bangladesh take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.