Pakistan Levels ODI Series Against Bangladesh with a Strong Victory
In a thrilling match on March 13, Pakistan leveled the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, winning by 128 runs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. After being asked to bat first, Pakistan scored 274 runs before being bowled out in 47.3 overs. The Bangladeshi bowlers Rishad Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz shone, taking three and two wickets respectively.
Young star Maaz Sadaqat, just 20 years old, was the standout performer for Pakistan, scoring an impressive 75 runs off 46 balls with six fours and five sixes. In response, Bangladesh struggled significantly, collapsing for just 114 runs in 23.3 overs while chasing a revised target of 243 runs.
Sadaqat also excelled with the ball, claiming three wickets for only 23 runs in five overs. Captain Shaheen Afridi contributed with two wickets for 22 runs, and Bangladesh’s chase fell apart early on, leaving them at a dismal 15 for 3 within the first five overs.
The match faced a brief interruption due to rain, which could have ended the game early. However, after diligent efforts from the ground staff, play resumed. As Bangladesh fought back, Litton Das (41 off 33) and Towhid Hridoy (28 off 38) steadied the innings with a partnership that added 58 runs. Yet, just as Bangladesh looked to regain momentum, Sadaqat struck again, derailing their hopes.
Pakistan showed marked improvement after a disappointing performance in the first ODI. Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Sadaqat provided a solid start, scoring 103 runs in just 78 balls. After the early dismissals of both openers, Salman Agha (64 off 62) and Mohammad Rizwan (44 off 59) formed a crucial partnership of 109 runs. However, a controversial run-out involving Mehidy Hasan Miraz shifted the game’s dynamics once more.
Despite a late collapse, where Pakistan lost their last seven wickets for just 43 runs, they set a competitive total and clinched a commanding win, keeping their hopes alive in the series with one more match to play.
