In a rain-interrupted second One Day International (ODI) held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday, Pakistan emerged victorious over Bangladesh by a substantial margin of 128 runs under the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method. The match was marked by a dramatic weather delay, including a two-hour pause due to rain and hail, which significantly impacted the flow of the game. Despite these interruptions, Pakistan’s all-rounder Maaz Sadaqat delivered a standout performance, showcasing his prowess with a quickfire 75 runs and later contributing crucial wickets to dismantle the Bangladeshi batting lineup.
Bangladesh faced a daunting revised target of 243 runs to chase within 32 overs after the weather delay. However, their innings quickly faltered, culminating in a collapse at 114 runs in just 23.3 overs. The hosts struggled to build momentum, with only a brief resurgence led by Litton Das, who attempted to stabilize the innings with aggressive stroke play. Unfortunately for Bangladesh, the early loss of key wickets put them under immense pressure from the outset.
The innings began on a shaky note for Bangladesh as Tanzid Hasan was dismissed cheaply for a single run, caught at backward square leg off the bowling of Shaheen Shah Afridi. Saif Hassan followed soon after, scoring 12 before being caught at short mid-off off Mohammad Wasim Jr. The situation worsened when captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was bowled without scoring by Afridi, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 27 for 3 within just 6.3 overs. It was at this critical juncture that the game was interrupted by a sudden thunderstorm accompanied by hail, forcing players off the field and suspending play for nearly two hours.
Once the match resumed, Litton Das took charge of the chase, hitting a series of boundaries, including two towering sixes, in an effort to revive Bangladesh’s hopes. Despite his valiant 41-run effort, he was eventually trapped leg before wicket (lbw) by part-time spinner Maaz Sadaqat. Other contributions came from Tawhid Hridoy, who scored 28 runs off 38 balls before falling lbw to Haris Rauf, and Afif Hossain, who added 14 runs before becoming Sadaqat’s second wicket. The innings concluded swiftly as captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz managed only a solitary run before the Bangladeshi batting lineup was completely dismantled. Both Haris Rauf and Maaz Sadaqat finished with three wickets each, underscoring Pakistan’s dominant bowling display.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan had set a challenging total of 274 runs, despite being bowled out in 47.3 overs. The innings was propelled by an explosive start from the opening pair, Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat, who put on a rapid 103-run partnership within the first 13 overs. Sadaqat’s innings was particularly impressive, as he scored 75 runs off just 46 balls, including six boundaries and five sixes, demonstrating his aggressive intent from the outset. Farhan contributed a solid 31 before falling to Taskin Ahmed.
Following the early breakthroughs, Salman Agha emerged as the top scorer for Pakistan with a well-crafted 64 runs off 62 deliveries. He forged a crucial 109-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan, who added 44 runs, stabilizing the innings after the initial flurry. However, Agha’s innings ended in dramatic fashion when he was run out at the non-striker’s end by a sharp throw from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, a moment that sparked animated reactions on the field. Bangladesh’s leg-spinner Rishad Hossain was the most successful bowler for the hosts, finishing with figures of 3 for 56.
Ultimately, Pakistan’s total proved more than sufficient in the rain-shortened encounter, allowing them to secure a comprehensive victory. The all-round brilliance of Maaz Sadaqat, combined with effective bowling from Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi, ensured Pakistan maintained their upper hand throughout the match. This win not only boosts Pakistan’s confidence in the series but also highlights the emergence of promising talent capable of influencing games with both bat and ball.
