Following a defeat in the series opener, Pakistan has made a strong comeback to level the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh.
In a rain-affected encounter at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday (March 13), the side led by Shaheen Shah Afridi secured a dominant 128-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis (DLS) method.
Clinical Bowling Performance
Batting first, Pakistan was bowled out for 274 runs. While Pakistan’s middle order looked solid with half-centuries from Maz Sadaqat and Salman Ali Agha, a late collapse saw them lose their final seven wickets for just 43 runs.
Bangladesh’s spin duo was instrumental in the fightback:
Rishad Hossain: 3 wickets for 56 runs.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz: 2 wickets for 34 runs.
Bangladesh Collapse Under Pressure
The chase began poorly for the hosts, who lost three quick wickets with only 15 runs on the board. Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy briefly stabilized the innings before rain interrupted play. When the match resumed, the target was adjusted to 243 runs in 32 overs under the DLS method.
The momentum shifted decisively when Litton Das was dismissed for a brisk 41 off 33 balls. From there, the batting lineup crumbled:
- Towhid Hridoy fought as the last recognized batter, scoring 28.
- Afif Hossain managed 14, while the lower order failed to reach double digits.
Bangladesh was eventually bundled out for a meager 114 runs. Pakistan’s pace attack proved too much for the Tigers, with Haris Rauf and Maz Sadaqat claiming 3 wickets each, while skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up 2.
Series Decider on the Horizon
With the series now tied at 1-1, the third and final ODI scheduled for March 15 has effectively become an "unannounced final," with both teams vying for the series trophy.
