Bangladesh delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by eight wickets in the opening One Day International in Mirpur, thanks to a sensational five-wicket haul from fast bowler Nahid Rana and a blistering unbeaten half-century from Tanzid Hasan.
Pakistan were bundled out for just 114 in 31 overs after Rana tore through the batting lineup with pace and bounce. The young pacer claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs, finishing with remarkable figures of 5 for 24 from seven overs. Rana struck in each of his first five overs, dismantling Pakistan’s top and middle order and leaving the visitors struggling to recover.
Pakistan had begun relatively well, with debutants Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat adding 41 runs for the opening partnership. Farhan scored 27 before falling to Rana, triggering a collapse that saw Pakistan slump from 41 without loss to 55 for three. The experienced pair of Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha attempted to stabilize the innings, but Rana’s relentless pace soon removed Rizwan, caught behind while attempting a drive.
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz supported the attack brilliantly with three wickets, while Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman chipped in with one each. Faheem Ashraf was Pakistan’s top scorer with 37, sharing a small resistance of 32 runs for the final wicket with Abrar Ahmed.
Chasing a modest target of 115, Bangladesh wasted little time asserting control. Tanzid Hasan led the charge with an explosive 67 not out from just 42 balls, striking seven fours and five sixes. He was well supported by Najmul Hossain Shanto, who made 27 as the pair added 82 runs for the second wicket.
Bangladesh reached the target in just 15.1 overs, making it the shortest ODI between the two teams in terms of total overs bowled. The emphatic win marked Bangladesh’s biggest victory against Pakistan in ODIs in terms of wickets and balls remaining, giving the hosts a perfect start to the series.