After Nahid Rana’s 5-wicket haul crushed Pakistan in the first ODI, Bangladesh look to seal the series while Pakistan consider bringing Haris Rauf into the attack.

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Ahead of the ODI series between Bangladesh and Pakistan, much of the anticipation centered on Pakistan’s fresh faces as the team began rebuilding with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.

In the first ODI on Wednesday, Pakistan fielded four debutant batters – Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain and Abdul Samad. However, the inexperienced batting line-up struggled against Bangladesh’s pace attack, particularly Nahid Rana, who delivered a sensational spell of fast bowling.

Rana finished with career-best figures of 5 for 24, using his pace, bounce and clever variations in length to dismantle the Pakistan batting order. Even experienced players Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha were unable to counter his accuracy and aggression. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for just 114, their lowest total batting first against Bangladesh in ODIs.

Defending such a small total proved impossible for Pakistan’s bowlers. Lack of discipline further hurt their chances as they conceded 14 wides. Bangladesh chased down the target comfortably, winning by eight wickets with 209 balls remaining to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

The victory also gives Bangladesh a strong opportunity to secure back-to-back ODI series wins against Pakistan. The last time Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in an ODI series was in 2015 when they completed a memorable 3-0 sweep.

Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz also delivered a crucial performance with the ball, claiming three wickets at an important time. The all-rounder had faced criticism for inconsistent ODI performances, but his contribution helped Bangladesh maintain control of the match.

In the chase, Tanzid Hasan stole the spotlight with an aggressive unbeaten 67 off just 42 balls. The young opener dominated Pakistan’s seamers with powerful strokes, hitting seven fours and five sixes. His attacking approach ensured Bangladesh completed the chase quickly and convincingly.

Pakistan now face a must-win situation in the second ODI on Friday. After a disappointing start to their new ODI cycle, the team will hope experienced players like Rizwan, Salman Agha and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi can guide the side back into the series.

Players in the spotlight: Tanzid Hasan and Faheem Ashraf

Tanzid Hasan has been in excellent form recently. Although he missed out on the T20 World Cup stage after Bangladesh’s early exit, he scored heavily in domestic tournaments last month before his explosive innings in the first ODI. His confident strokeplay against both pace and spin will again be key for Bangladesh.

For Pakistan, Faheem Ashraf was one of the few positives in the first ODI. Batting at No. 8, he top-scored with 37 runs during the collapse. Faheem also has fond memories of playing in Dhaka. Last year, he almost guided Pakistan to a dramatic T20I win with a 51 off 32 balls at the same venue. Given Pakistan’s inexperienced batting line-up, the team management might consider promoting him up the order.

Team news: Will Haris Rauf return?

Bangladesh are likely to stick with the same playing XI that dominated the first ODI, especially if the pitch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium offers similar bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

Bangladesh (probable XI):
Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman

Pakistan, meanwhile, may consider strengthening their bowling attack. Fast bowler Mohammad Wasim struggled in the first match, conceding 24 runs in just 3.1 overs. Pakistan could bring in Haris Rauf to add extra pace and aggression to their bowling unit.

Pakistan (probable XI):
Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Mohammad Wasim/Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Pitch and conditions

In the first ODI, Bangladesh opted to field first and their fast bowlers made full use of a lively pitch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. If similar conditions are available for the second ODI, Pakistan’s pace attack will look to exploit the bounce and movement early.

Weather could also play a role, with rain forecast for Friday. However, despite similar predictions earlier in the week, the first ODI was completed without major interruptions.

Stats and trivia

• Nahid Rana’s figures of 5 for 24 are the best bowling figures for Bangladesh against Pakistan in ODIs.
• With that performance, Rana doubled his ODI wicket tally from five to ten.
• Pakistan’s total of 114 is their lowest all-out score against Bangladesh in ODI history.
• Their previous lowest was 161 during the 1999 World Cup match in Northampton.