Pakistan slumped to their lowest-ever ODI total against Bangladesh after being bowled out for 114 in 30.4 overs in the first match of the three-game series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
The previous lowest Pakistan total versus Bangladesh in ODIs was 161, recorded during the 1999 ICC World Cup, the match in which Bangladesh famously sealed their first-ever win over Pakistan.
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan’s innings began with some early promise as new opening pair Maaz Sadaqat and Sahibzada Farhan put together 41 at a brisk pace. The momentum, however, didn’t last. Nahid Rana broke the stand and triggered a collapse that Pakistan never recovered from.
Farhan top-scored for Pakistan with 27 off 38 balls, striking four boundaries, but he became Rana’s first major breakthrough. Rana then removed debutant Shamyl Hussain cheaply (4), before sending Maaz back for 18, tightening Bangladesh’s grip as wickets fell steadily.
Rana continued to rip through the middle order, dismissing Mohammad Rizwan for 10 and later completing his five-for when Salman Ali Agha fell for 5. Bangladesh’s spin-bowling support act was just as damaging, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz picking up key wickets as Pakistan’s lower order failed to build any partnerships.
Pakistan were reduced to 70-6 when Abdul Samad was dismissed for a duck, and Miraz struck again to remove Hussain Talat (4). Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi briefly tried to counterattack but was trapped lbw for 4, leaving Pakistan eight down with the total still under 100.
The innings only gained brief resistance through Faheem Ashraf, who scored 37 off 47 balls with six fours and a six to push Pakistan past the 100-run mark. His dismissal to Mustafizur Rahman ended the last meaningful stand as Pakistan were wrapped up soon after.
Rana finished with a match-defining 5/24 in seven overs, while Miraz claimed three wickets. Mustafizur and Taskin Ahmed picked up one each as Bangladesh completed a dominant bowling performance to take early control of the series.
