Rana’s maiden five-wicket haul bundles Pakistan out for 114 before Tanzid’s explosive fifty seals a dominant eight-wicket win in Mirpur

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Bangladesh produced a commanding performance to crush Pakistan by eight wickets in the opening ODI in Mirpur, thanks to a sensational spell from fast bowler Nahid Rana and an explosive half-century from Tanzid Hasan. Chasing a modest target of 115, Bangladesh raced to victory in just 15.1 overs after bundling Pakistan out for 114.

Rana was the architect of Pakistan’s collapse, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs with a devastating seven-over spell. The Bangladesh quick struck in each of his first five overs, using raw pace and sharp bounce to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Pakistan had opted to give four players their ODI debuts, including Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat, and the pair initially steadied the innings with a 41-run opening partnership. Farhan scored 27 off 38 balls before Rana broke the stand in the tenth over when the opener hit a length delivery straight to Afif Hossain at point.

Rana continued to dominate as Pakistan’s innings unraveled quickly. Shamyl Hussain fell to a top-edged bouncer that was safely taken by Litton Das, while Sadaqat also succumbed to a short delivery. Pakistan slumped from 41 without loss to 55 for three inside 14 overs.

Experienced campaigners Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha briefly attempted to rebuild the innings, but Rana struck again by drawing Rizwan into a drive that resulted in a catch behind the stumps. Salman’s dismissal followed soon after, fending another short ball to short leg where Tanzid Hasan completed a juggling catch.

Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz then chipped in with three wickets, while Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman took one each as Pakistan were bowled out in the 31st over. Faheem Ashraf top-scored with 37 and shared a 32-run partnership for the tenth wicket with Abrar Ahmed to push Pakistan past the 100-run mark.

In reply, Bangladesh lost Saif Hassan early when Shaheen Shah Afridi struck in the opening overs. However, Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto quickly took control of the chase with an aggressive partnership.

The duo added 82 runs for the second wicket, attacking the Pakistan bowlers from the outset. Tanzid smashed seven fours and five sixes in his unbeaten 42-ball 67, reaching his half-century in just 32 deliveries. Shanto supported him with a fluent 27, hitting five boundaries before edging Mohammad Wasim behind.

Bangladesh had already reached 81 for one after ten overs – their second-highest powerplay score in ODIs against Pakistan. Tanzid continued the onslaught with more sixes before guiding Bangladesh comfortably to the target.

The victory not only marked Bangladesh’s biggest win against Pakistan in terms of wickets and balls remaining but also made the contest the shortest ODI between the two sides by total overs bowled.