After missing out on the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh returned to 50-over cricket with a convincing win over Pakistan in Mirpur on Wednesday.
Chasing a modest target, opener Tanzid Hasan remained unbeaten at 67 to guide Bangladesh to victory, while Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed a valuable 27 runs off 33 balls.
Earlier, Pakistan, batting first on Bangladesh’s invitation, was bowled out for 114 runs in just 31 overs.
Pakistan’s innings began with openers Saifzada Farhan and Moaz Siddiq. The duo put together a 41-run partnership for the first wicket, but after Saifzada Farhan’s dismissal, Pakistan’s batting line faltered.
The Pakistani top order, including the openers, looked helpless against the Bangladeshi bowlers. Reckless shot-making led to successive wickets, with six players dismissed for just 70 runs.
All-rounder Fahim Ashraf top-scored with 37 runs, while Saifzada Farhan made 27, Mohammad Rizwan 10, and Moaz Siddiq 18. Other contributions included Shamil Hussain 4, Salman Ali Agha 5, and Hussain Talat 4, while Wasim Junior and Abdulsamad failed to score.
Bangladeshi bowlers effectively dismantled Pakistan’s batting, bowling the team out for 114 in 30.1 overs, with seven Pakistani batsmen failing to reach double figures.
Playing XIs
Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi(c), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed
Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz(c), Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana
