KEY POINTS
- Maaz Sadaqat smashed 75 off 46 balls and later claimed 3/23 with the ball, playing a pivotal role in Pakistan’s comprehensive victory.
- Salman Agha’s gritty 64 ended in bizarre fashion when Mehidy Hasan ran him out while picking up the ball, drawing widespread criticism.
- Shaheen, Rauf, and Maaz combined to bundle out hosts for just 114, sealing a dominant 128-run win and leveling the series 1-1.
MIRPUR, Bangladesh: Pakistan produced a dominant all-round performance to level the three-match ODI series 1-1, defeating Bangladesh by 128-runs in the second ODI under the DLS method at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a formidable 274 before being bowled out in 47.3 overs. In response, Bangladesh were set a revised target of 243 from 32 overs due to rain interruptions, but the hosts crumbled to 114 all out in just 23.3 overs as Pakistan’s bowlers ran riot.
Maaz Sadaqat’s all-round display helps Pakistan to secure a win and level the ODI series against Bangladesh 🙌
📝: https://t.co/rhu5qzgBcM pic.twitter.com/d6SIKN0M1y
— ICC (@ICC) March 13, 2026
Maaz Sadaqat announces arrival with explosive 75
Young opener Maaz Sadaqat announced himself on the international stage with a breathtaking 75 off just 46 balls, setting the platform for Pakistan’s imposing total. The right-hander smashed six fours and five sixes during his blistering knock, dominating the opening stand of 103 runs with Sahibzada Farhan (31) in just 12.6 overs.
Maaz’s aggressive approach put Bangladesh on the back foot immediately, though his innings was eventually ended by skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz, with Litton Das completing the catch behind the stumps.
Salman Agha’s gritty 64 overshadows controversial dismissal
After the openers departed and Pakistan slipped to 122/3, Salman Agha took center stage with a composed yet aggressive knock of 64 off 62 balls. The all-rounder struck seven fours and two sixes, reviving the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan (44) with a crucial 109-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
However, Salman’s innings ended in controversial fashion in the 38th over when he was run out by Mehidy Hasan Miraz while attempting to pick up the ball to return it to the bowler.
The dismissal sparked heated debate about sportsmanship, with former cricketers and fans criticizing the Bangladesh captain’s actions. Salman’s frustration was evident as he threw his gloves and helmet upon returning to the pavilion.
Lower order contributions propel Pakistan to 274
Following Salman’s dismissal, Pakistan lost wickets in clusters but managed to cross the 270-run mark. Hussain Talat contributed 9, while Abdul Samad added a quick 11.
Faheem Ashraf chipped in with a valuable 14 off 15 balls before becoming Mustafizur Rahman’s lone wicket. Shaheen Shah Afridi (3) and Mohammad Wasim (1) fell to Rishad Hossain, who emerged as Bangladesh’s most successful bowler with figures of 3/56 in 9.3 overs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed 2/34 in his 10-over spell.
Rain revises target; Bangladesh chase falls apart
Rain interrupted Bangladesh’s innings after 4.3 overs with the hosts reeling at 15/3. Upon resumption, Pakistan were handed a revised target of 243 from 32 overs as per the DLS method. However, the equation mattered little as Pakistan’s bowling attack ran through the Bangladesh lineup with ruthless efficiency.
Litton Das showed some resistance with a brisk 41 off 33 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, before falling lbw to part-time spinner Maaz Sadaqat. Towhid Hridoy managed 28 off 38 deliveries but found no support from the other end as wickets tumbled regularly.
Maaz Sadaqat stars with ball after heroics with bat
Remarkably, Maaz Sadaqat followed his batting heroics with a sensational bowling performance, claiming 3/23 in five overs. The young all-rounder removed Litton Das, Afif Hossain (14), and Rishad Hossain (2) to derail Bangladesh’s chase completely.
Haris Rauf was equally devastating, finishing with 3/26 in 4.3 overs, while Shaheen Shah Afridi provided early breakthroughs with 2/22 in his five-over spell. Mohammad Wasim (1/25) and Faheem Ashraf (1/18) also contributed as Bangladesh were bundled out for 114 in just 23.3 overs.
Series levelled ahead of decider
The emphatic victory ensures the three-match series heads to a thrilling finale on Sunday, with the third ODI scheduled to be played at the same venue. Pakistan will take immense confidence from their comprehensive performance, particularly the emergence of Maaz Sadaqat as a genuine all-round talent.
For Bangladesh, the defeat exposes significant frailties in their batting lineup, with only Litton Das managing to cross the 30-run mark. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz will face scrutiny not only for his team’s performance but also for the controversial run-out that has dominated post-match discussions.
