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Pakistan vs Bangladesh ODI action delivered high drama on Friday as Pakistan secured a commanding 128-run victory over Bangladesh in the rain-affected second match of the three-game series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
The emphatic win allowed Pakistan to level the series at 1-1 after a dominant all-round performance led by emerging star Maaz Sadaqat. However, the match also drew attention for a controversial run-out involving Pakistan all-rounder Salman Ali Agha, which sparked debate over sportsmanship.
Pakistan Dominates Bangladesh in Second ODI
The Pakistan vs Bangladesh ODI contest began with Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz opting to field first. The decision initially appeared promising, but Pakistan’s opening pair quickly seized control.
Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat launched an aggressive start, compiling a rapid 103-run partnership in just 77 deliveries. Their attacking approach placed Bangladesh’s bowlers under immediate pressure and laid a strong foundation for a big total.
Maaz Sadaqat led the charge with a blistering innings of 75 runs from only 46 balls, striking six boundaries and five sixes before Miraz finally broke the stand.
Following the breakthrough, Bangladesh briefly regained momentum as bowlers including Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana removed Farhan and Shamyl Hussain in quick succession.
Despite the setbacks, Pakistan rebuilt through a vital partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha. Their 109-run stand for the fourth wicket stabilized the innings and pushed Pakistan toward a competitive total.
Rizwan contributed a steady 44 from 59 deliveries, while Agha added a valuable 64 from 62 balls.
Pakistan eventually posted 274 runs before being bowled out in 47.3 overs.
Maaz Sadaqat Shines With Bat and Ball
Maaz Sadaqat emerged as the standout performer in the Pakistan vs Bangladesh ODI, delivering a complete all-round display that earned him the Player of the Match award.
After his explosive batting performance, Sadaqat returned with the ball to claim three crucial wickets for just 23 runs.
His disciplined bowling proved instrumental in dismantling Bangladesh’s batting lineup during their rain-revised chase.
Bangladesh Collapse in Rain-Affected Chase
Bangladesh’s pursuit of the target was disrupted by rain, which forced officials to revise the chase to 243 runs in 32 overs under the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method.
The hosts endured a disastrous start, losing three wickets inside the first five overs with only 15 runs on the board.
A brief resistance emerged through Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy, who added 58 runs in a counter-attacking partnership.
Das top-scored for Bangladesh with 41 runs from 33 balls, but his dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse.
Pakistan’s pace attack, spearheaded by Haris Rauf and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, tore through the remaining batting order.
Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for just 114 runs in 23.3 overs, handing Pakistan a comfortable victory.
Salman Ali Agha Run-Out Sparks Sportsmanship Debate
The Pakistan vs Bangladesh ODI also produced a controversial moment during Pakistan’s innings when Salman Ali Agha was dismissed in an unusual fashion.
During the 38th over, Rizwan defended a delivery from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and the ball rolled toward Agha at the non-striker’s end.
Agha attempted to pick up the ball and return it to the bowler while standing outside his crease. Miraz quickly collected the ball and broke the stumps, resulting in a run-out.
The dismissal left Agha visibly frustrated as he walked back to the pavilion.
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja, who was commentating during the match, acknowledged that the dismissal was technically within the laws of cricket but questioned its spirit.
He remarked that while the decision was legally correct, it raised questions regarding sportsmanship.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez criticized the move of Miraz in Pakistan vs Bangladesh Match on social media, describing it as poor sportsmanship by the Bangladesh captain.
Decisive Third ODI Set to Determine Series
With the series now tied at 1-1, the final Pakistan vs Bangladesh ODI is scheduled for March 15 at the same venue in Dhaka.
Both teams will enter the decisive match aiming to secure the series, with Pakistan carrying momentum after their convincing victory.
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