Bangladesh dominated the series opener on Wednesday, bowling Pakistan out for just 114 before completing an eight-wicket win. The standout performer was fast bowler Nahid Rana, whose career-best figures of 5-24 dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup and set up the comfortable chase.
With confidence high, Bangladesh decided to field the same XI that delivered the convincing victory at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Pakistan, however, made a tactical change to strengthen their pace attack by bringing in Haris Rauf for leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Pakistan’s young batting unit, which struggled in the first ODI, has been retained despite the setbacks. Debutants Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, Maaz Sadaqat and Abdul Samad all found it difficult to deal with the pace of Rana and the spin of Miraz in the previous match.
By backing the same group again, Pakistan management appears keen to give the inexperienced batters more time at the international level while hoping improved conditions will help their bowlers make a bigger impact in the second ODI.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf.
Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman.
