KEY POINTS
- Pakistan face must-win situation in second ODI on Friday to keep the three-match series alive.
- Visitors are reeling from eight-wicket defeat in the opener, where they were bowled out for 114 runs.
- Pakistan may promote all-rounder Faheem Ashraf up the order and bring Haris Rauf into the playing XI.
Dhaka: Facing the ignominy of a historic defeat, a struggling Pakistan side is set to clash with Bangladesh in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Friday.
Following a humiliating eight-wicket loss in the series opener, their lowest-ever total against the hosts, the Men in Green find themselves in a must-win situation to keep the series alive.
The first ODI on Wednesday was a nightmare for Pakistan’s experimental batting lineup.
In a bid to build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, the team management handed debuts to four batters: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, and Abdul Samad.
However, the new order was blown away by the raw pace of Nahid Rana, who returned career-best figures of 5 for 24.
Pakistan crumbled to a mere 114 all out, their lowest score when batting first against Bangladesh.
Even the seasoned duo of Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha could not withstand the hostile spell, leaving the bowling attack with a meagre total to defend.
The bowlers, in turn, lacked discipline, conceding 14 wides as opener Tanzid Hasan smashed an unbeaten 67 off 42 balls to guide the hosts to victory with 209 balls to spare.
The defeat not only handed Bangladesh a 1-0 lead but also gave them a chance to secure back-to-back ODI series wins against Pakistan for the first time since 2015.
Faheem Ashraf provides sole bright spot
Amid the ruins of Pakistan’s batting order, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf emerged as the top-scorer with a resilient 37 runs from number eight.
Having previously played a heroic knock at this very venue in a T20I last July, Faheem’s ability to handle pressure could prompt a rethink in the batting order.
With the top order lacking experience, promoting Faheem might be the stability Pakistan desperately needs.
Bowling changes on the cards?
Pakistan may resist overreacting to the debutants’ failure, but the bowling attack is likely to see a tweak.
Mohammad Wasim proved expensive, conceding 24 runs in just 3.1 overs, and could make way for the raw pace of Haris Rauf.
The pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium has shown signs of pace and bounce, which Pakistan’s fast bowlers, led by skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi, will be eager to exploit on Friday.
Pakistan (Probable XI): 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Maaz Sadaqat, 3 Shamyl Hussain, 4 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 5 Salman Agha, 6 Hussain Talat, 7 Abdul Samad, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), 10 Mohammad Wasim/Haris Rauf, 11 Abrar Ahmed
Bangladesh Eye Series Win
The hosts, in contrast, are riding high on confidence. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz silenced his critics with a three-wicket haul, while Tanzid Hasan continued his rich vein of form. Bangladesh are expected to field an unchanged XI as they look to wrap up the series.
However, rain forecasts for Friday could play spoilsport, though the weather held up clear for the entirety of the first ODI.
Form Guide (Last five matches, most recent first):
- Bangladesh:WWLWL
- Pakistan:LWWWW
For Pakistan, Friday’s clash is more than just a game; it is a test of character.
With their World Cup rebuild off to a forgettable start, the onus is on the experienced core of Rizwan, Agha, and Afridi to pull one back and keep the series alive.
