DHAKA: Pakistan were bowled out for 274 runs in the second One-Day International against Bangladesh on Friday, setting the hosts a 275-run target at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
A brisk 75 off 46 balls by Maaz Sadaqat and a steady 64 from Salman Ali Agha helped Pakistan recover after early setbacks, but a late collapse restricted the visitors from posting a bigger total.
Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain led Bangladesh’s bowling effort with a three-wicket haul, while the home side struck regularly in the closing overs to bowl Pakistan out.
Strong start by Pakistan openers
After Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and elected to field, Pakistan’s openers launched an aggressive start.
Sadaqat dominated the early exchanges as Pakistan raced to 85 without loss in the first 10 overs, putting the Bangladeshi bowlers under pressure during the powerplay.
The breakthrough came shortly after when Miraz dismissed Sadaqat, ending the left-hander’s impressive innings that laid the foundation for Pakistan’s total.
Pakistan then relied on Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha to stabilise the innings during the middle overs.
Middle-order resistance
Rizwan and Salman steadied the innings after Pakistan lost early wickets. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers gradually tightened their grip.
Miraz struck twice to remove Rizwan and Salman, leaving Pakistan’s middle order under pressure.
Earlier, fast bowler Nahid Rana dismissed Shamyl Hussain, while Taskin Ahmed removed Sahibzada Farhan to keep Bangladesh in contention.
Late collapse limits Pakistan total
Pakistan looked set for a larger total before losing momentum in the final overs.
The visitors suffered a dramatic collapse, losing seven wickets for just 43 runs towards the end of their innings.
In the 46th over, Pakistan lost two quick wickets as Shaheen Shah Afridi was dismissed for 3 and Faheem Ashraf fell for 14, leaving the score at 266 for eight.
Rishad Hossain claimed the final wicket when Mohammad Wasim Jr. was caught at long-on attempting a big shot, ending Pakistan’s innings at 274 all out.
Bangladesh eye series victory
Bangladesh entered the match with strong momentum after winning the first ODI by eight wickets earlier in the week.
In that game, the hosts bowled Pakistan out for 114 runs before chasing down the target in 15.1 overs, with 209 balls to spare.
Captain Miraz retained the same playing XI for the second match, backing the side that delivered the convincing victory.
Bangladesh will look to secure the three-match series with another win in Dhaka.
Pakistan seeking response
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said before the match that the pitch looked green but firm and backed his batters to produce a stronger performance.
The visitors made one change to their lineup, bringing back fast bowler Haris Rauf, while spinner Abrar Ahmed was rested.
Pakistan are currently rebuilding their ODI squad, with several young players included following the T20 World Cup and the absence of senior players such as former captain Babar Azam.
Head-to-head record
Historically, Pakistan have dominated the rivalry in the ODI format.
Out of 40 matches played between the two sides, Pakistan have won 34, while Bangladesh have registered six victories.
The third and final ODI of the series is scheduled to be played at the same venue on March 15.
