ISLAMABAD: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has pledged to continue supporting his young team despite their heavy eight-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the opening ODI of the three-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Pakistan fielded four debutants in the series opener but were dismissed for just 114 runs in 30.4 overs after being asked to bat first by Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Fast bowler Nahid Rana led the hosts’ charge with a brilliant five-wicket haul that dismantled Pakistan’s batting line-up.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf top-scored for Pakistan with a fighting 37 late in the innings. Debutants Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat contributed 27 and 18 respectively, while wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan was the only other player to reach double figures with 10 runs.
Nahid Rana’s spell
Bangladesh comfortably chased down the modest 115-run target, reaching it with eight wickets in hand and 209 balls remaining. Opener Tanzid Hasan guided the hosts to victory with an unbeaten 67 from 47 balls, hitting seven fours and five sixes. Mohammad Wasim Jr and Shaheen Afridi claimed a wicket each for Pakistan.
Speaking after the match, Shaheen acknowledged that Pakistan had made a promising start before Nahid Rana’s spell turned the game in Bangladesh’s favour.
He admitted the team had failed to achieve the start they wanted in the series but emphasised that two matches still remain.
The captain described the defeat as a learning experience for the young side, highlighting the importance of building partnerships in both batting and bowling.
Shaheen reiterated his confidence in the squad and said the team would focus on improving in the remaining matches of the series.
The second ODI between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played at the same venue on Friday.
