Matches between the Bangladesh national cricket team and the Pakistan national cricket team have often been unpredictable, and the second ODI of the series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur was no different. The match had everything — aggressive batting, controversy, sudden collapses, and even dramatic weather interruptions. In the end, Pakistan produced a commanding performance to defeat Bangladesh by 128 runs through the DLS method on Friday, March 13, leveling the series at 1–1 and setting up a thrilling decider.
The contest was particularly memorable due to a strange run-out involving Salman Agha that sparked emotions on the field and triggered Pakistan’s batting collapse after they had looked set for a massive total.
Explosive Start from Maaz Sadaqat
After being asked to bat first on a grassy pitch, Pakistan came out with an aggressive approach. Young opener Maaz Sadaqat played a fearless knock that immediately put Bangladesh under pressure. Playing just his second ODI, the left-hander attacked the bowlers right from the start, smashing boundaries and confidently clearing the ropes.
Sadaqat took on Bangladesh’s pace attack led by Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed. He struck two early fours before launching two sixes that energized the Pakistan camp. While his opening partner Sahibzada Farhan mostly rotated strike, Sadaqat dominated the scoring.
Pakistan raced past the 50-run mark in just seven overs and reached an impressive 85 without loss by the end of the powerplay. Sadaqat reached his half-century in only 31 balls, signaling a potential massive total for Pakistan.
Bangladesh Fight Back with Key Breakthroughs
Bangladesh finally found a breakthrough when captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Sadaqat in the 13th over. Attempting a scoop shot, Sadaqat mistimed the ball and was caught behind, ending a brilliant innings of 75 runs from just 46 balls that included six boundaries and five towering sixes.
After his dismissal, Pakistan’s scoring rate slowed considerably. Farhan was dismissed soon afterward, and Shamyl Hussain also failed to convert his start. Bangladesh’s bowlers tightened the pressure, allowing only 46 runs in the next 13 overs.
However, Pakistan regained momentum thanks to a solid partnership between captain Mohammad Rizwan and the aggressive Salman Agha. The duo added 109 runs for the fourth wicket, placing Pakistan in a commanding position.
The Run-Out Controversy and Sudden Collapse
Just when Pakistan seemed ready to push toward a huge total, the match witnessed a bizarre moment. While attempting to stop a ball off his own bowling, Mehidy Hasan Miraz collided with Salman Agha at the non-striker’s end. Agha, who had stepped out of his crease, tried to hand the ball back to the bowler, but Mehidy reacted quickly and threw the ball underarm at the stumps, running him out.
The decision sparked visible frustration from Agha, who angrily walked off after scoring an impressive 64. His dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse. Rizwan was dismissed in the same over, and Pakistan suddenly lost wickets in clusters.
Bangladesh seized the opportunity as leg-spinner Rishad Hossain picked up crucial wickets. Pakistan lost their final seven wickets for just 43 runs and were eventually bowled out for 274 in 47.3 overs — a competitive but somewhat disappointing total considering their earlier dominance.
Bangladesh’s Chase Falls Apart
Bangladesh’s chase started disastrously as they lost three wickets for just 15 runs. Openers Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hassan were dismissed cheaply, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was bowled for a duck.
The game then took another dramatic turn when lightning forced the players off the field. Soon after, a hailstorm swept across the stadium, delaying play further. When the weather cleared, the revised target under the DLS method was set at 243 runs in 32 overs.
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Pakistan Bowlers Seal a Comprehensive Victory
Bangladesh resumed their chase with an increased required run rate of over 8.5 per over. Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy attempted to rebuild the innings with aggressive stroke play. Litton even hit a couple of sixes to keep Bangladesh’s hopes alive.
However, Maaz Sadaqat, already the star with the bat, delivered with the ball as well. Using his left-arm spin, he dismissed Litton Das and picked up two more wickets to derail Bangladesh’s chase.
Pakistan’s pace spearhead Haris Rauf then completed the job by removing Hridoy and cleaning up the lower order. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for just 114 in 23.3 overs, handing Pakistan a convincing 128-run victory.
Series Perfectly Poised for Decider
With this emphatic win, Pakistan leveled the ODI series 1–1. The stage is now set for an exciting series decider at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Given the drama, intensity, and unpredictable nature of the first two matches, fans can expect another thrilling contest when the two teams meet again on Sunday.