Bangladesh eye series win as struggling Pakistan face another Nahid Rana test in Dhaka
Two days after being bundled out for 114, Pakistan return to the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium knowing that another defeat will hand Bangladesh the series with a game to spare. Shaheen Shah Afridi's side were outplayed in every department in the first ODI, and the pressure is squarely on their batting order to prove that performance was a one-off.
Nahid Rana's pace rattled Pakistan
The 23-year-old fast bowler claimed career-best figures of 5 for 24 in the first ODI, bowling with raw speed and hostility that Pakistan's top order simply could not handle. Faheem Ashraf top-scored with 37 as the visitors were dismissed in 30.4 overs for their lowest ODI total against Bangladesh. Rana regularly hit speeds above 145 km/h, and his five-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match award.
Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz also chipped in with three wickets, and the chase was wrapped up inside 16 overs. Tanzid Hasan smacked an unbeaten 67 off 42 balls to put the result beyond doubt.
Pakistan need Rizwan and Salman Agha to stand up
Mohammad Rizwan managed just 10 in the first game, while Salman Agha fell for five. Those two are experienced enough to anchor an innings on this surface, and Shaheen will need at least one of them to post a significant score if Pakistan are to avoid a series defeat. There are whispers about a possible recall for Haris Rauf to add more firepower with the ball, but Pakistan's batting collapse remains the bigger concern.
Mirpur pitch favours spin as the game goes on
The Sher-e-Bangla surface is known for offering turn and grip, particularly in the second innings. But the first ODI showed that pace with the new ball can be equally destructive. The average first-innings total at this ground in men's ODIs sits around 218, and batting first will require patience and composure from whoever wins the toss.
Bangladesh are brimming with confidence and have home conditions firmly in their favour. Pakistan's record in Dhaka makes grim reading, and anything short of a complete reset in approach could see this series over before the final game on March 15.
The match gets underway at 1:45 PM IST on Friday.
