Nahid Rana delivered a sensational performance, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul and unsettling Pakistan’s batting lineup in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday.
Rana had previously played five ODIs, the most recent against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi in October, where he took a total of five wickets.
Rana Rips Through Pakistan’s Top Order
Playing his first ODI on home soil after five matches abroad, Rana tore through Pakistan’s top order by claiming the first five wickets of their innings.
Skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz later removed debutant Abdul Samad (0) as Pakistan slumped to 71 for six in 20 overs after Bangladesh opted to bowl first.
Pakistan had a steady start with a 41-run opening stand between debutants Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat before Bangladesh struck back.
Key Partnership Broken
Rana broke the partnership by dismissing Farhan for 27 in the last ball of the first Powerplay.
Another debutant, Shamyl Hussain, who had earlier been dropped by Tanzid Hasan Tamim on two, became Rana’s second victim after scoring four.
Sadaqat soon followed, falling for 18, before Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha were also dismissed by the 23-year-old pacer for 10 and five respectively, completing his maiden five-for in ODIs.