In a rain-affected second One Day International (ODI) held in Dhaka, Pakistan delivered a commanding performance to level the three-match series against Bangladesh with a comprehensive 128-run victory. The match, interrupted multiple times by weather conditions, saw the target revised under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, setting Bangladesh a challenging 243 runs to chase in just 32 overs.
Pakistan’s innings was anchored by an impressive 75-run knock from Muaz Sadaqat, whose composed batting laid the foundation for a competitive total. Supporting him was Salman Ali Agha, who contributed a valuable 64 runs, while the experienced Mohammad Rizwan added a steady 44. These crucial partnerships helped Pakistan post a strong score despite the interruptions that disrupted the flow of the game.
Additional contributions came from Sahibzada Farhan, who scored a handy 31, adding depth to the batting lineup. Faheem Ashraf and Abdul Samad chipped in with 14 and 11 runs respectively, while Hussain Talat and Shamil Hussain provided quick runs towards the end of the innings. Pakistan’s captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, scored a modest 3 runs but made a significant impact with the ball later in the match. Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim also added minor contributions of 2 and 1 runs respectively, rounding off Pakistan’s innings.
On the bowling front, Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain emerged as the most successful bowler, claiming three wickets and attempting to stem the flow of runs. However, Pakistan’s bowling attack proved far more effective during the chase, dismantling the Bangladeshi batting lineup with precision and aggression.
Bangladesh’s reply faltered early despite a resilient 45 from Litton Das, who was the highest scorer for the hosts. The team struggled to build partnerships as wickets fell at regular intervals. Towhid Hridoy managed 28 runs, while Afif Hossain and Saif Hassan contributed 14 and 12 runs respectively. The rest of the batting order failed to make a significant impact, with Taskin Ahmed scoring 5, Mustafizur Rahman 4, and Rishad Hossain 2. Mehidy Hasan and Tanzid Hasan both managed just a single run each. Notably, Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was dismissed without scoring, and Nahid Rana remained unbeaten on 3 runs.
Pakistan’s bowling was led by Haris Rauf and Muaz Sadaqat, each taking three wickets and applying relentless pressure on the Bangladeshi batsmen. Shaheen Afridi supported the attack by picking up two wickets, while Mohammad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf claimed one wicket each, ensuring Bangladesh’s innings collapsed well short of the target.
This victory not only showcased Pakistan’s depth in both batting and bowling but also highlighted their ability to adapt to challenging conditions, including weather disruptions. With the series now leveled, the upcoming third ODI promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for supremacy in this closely fought series.
