Mirpur, March 11, 2026: Bangladesh cruised to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the low-scoring first ODI of the three-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Chasing a modest target of 116, the Tigers finished the game in just 15.1 overs, losing only two wickets, thanks to a commanding performance from their top order.
Bangladesh openers Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan gave the hosts a solid start, with Tanzid taking control against Pakistan’s pace attack, including Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf. Saif fell cheaply for four, dismissed by Shaheen Afridi, but Tanzid combined with Najmul Hossain Shanto to build an 82-run partnership that effectively sealed the match.
Tanzid Hasan remained unbeaten on 67 off 42 balls, striking seven fours and five sixes, while Litton Das added three runs. Najmul Shanto contributed 27 before falling to Wasim Jr, but the pair’s partnership had already set Bangladesh on course for a comfortable win.
Batting first, Pakistan’s innings started promisingly with openers Maaz Sadaqat and Sahibzada Farhan putting together a 41-run stand. However, pacer Nahid Rana dismantled the Pakistani top order, removing Farhan for 27 and debutant Shamyl Hussain for just four.
Rana continued his destructive spell, claiming five wickets for 24 runs in seven overs, reducing Pakistan to 70-6 by the 19th over. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also made an impact with three wickets, including key dismissals of Hussain Talat and captain Shaheen Afridi. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman chipped in with a wicket each as Pakistan was bowled out for 115.
Mohammad Rizwan (10) and Salman Ali Agha (5) struggled to resist Bangladesh’s relentless bowling, while Faheem Ashraf added 37 runs off 47 balls with six fours and a six, providing some resistance.
Nahid Rana (Bangladesh): 5/24 in 7 overs – a devastating display of pace and accuracy. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh): 3 wickets, dismantling Pakistan’s middle order. Tanzid Hasan (Bangladesh): 67* off 42 balls, anchoring the successful chase. Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh): 1 wicket, 37 runs – steady finishing with the bat.
Bangladesh’s comprehensive victory sets the tone for the series, putting Pakistan under immediate pressure to respond in the remaining two ODIs. The Tigers’ top order dominance and pace attack proved decisive in a low-scoring encounter, leaving fans eager to see how Pakistan will adapt in the second match.
