Brief results: Bangladesh (115 for 2 in 15.1 overs) beat Pakistan (114 – all out in 30.4 overs) in the first ODI of the three-match series in Mirpur. | Complete scorecard |
In a performance that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, the new Pakistan side were bundled out for a paltry 114 runs in the first ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday. On a day that should have signaled a fresh start for the Men in Green, the ghosts of their recent T20 World Cup failure continued to haunt them.
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Chasing light work, Bangladesh reached the target of 115 in just 15.1 overs. After dropping the seniors from the side, the new Pakistan side, led by Shaheen Afridi, slumped to an eight-wicket loss as Bangladesh chased down 209 deliveries. Tanzid Hasan led the charge with a 42-ball 67 in which he smashed five sixes and seven boundaries. Captain Afridi failed to make his mark with the ball and conceded 35 runs in five overs.
Opting to pounce first on a surface that offered significant bounce and zip, Bangladeshi speed sensation Nahid Rana bowled over the Pakistan batsman. Rana’s ferocious spell of 5/24 left the visitors in shock as he dismantled a top-order that looked completely out of its depth in sub-continental conditions.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan 1st ODI Update
Pakistan actually started the match with a semblance of stability as they reached 41/1 in the 10th over. However, the dismissal of Sahibzada Farhan (27) sparked a collapse that saw the visitors lose nine wickets for just 73 runs. Anchored by veteran Mohammad Rizwan, the middle order offered no resistance. Rizwan was caught behind for 10 while Salman Ali Agha managed only 5.
Debutants Maaz Sadaqat (18) and Shamyl Hussain (4) struggled to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket and fell victim to Rana’s relentless pace.
Only a late, defiant cameo from Faheem Ashraf, who top-scored with 37, pushed the total past the 100-run mark.
Bangladesh skipper Mehida Hasan Miraz also played a vital role, taking 3/29 to ensure the tail didn’t wag for long. Pakistan were eventually dismissed in just 30.4 overs.
NO BABAR AZAM FOR PAKISTAN
The dismal performance in Mirpur comes just days after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took it. the radical step of dropping former captain Babar Azam from the ODI squad. The decision followed a disastrous T20 World Cup 2026 campaign where Babar managed just 91 runs in four innings and failed to inspire his side beyond the Super 8 stage.
The omission of Babar, once considered the king of the ODI batting line-up, has divided fans and pundits alike. While captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and head coach Mike Hesson characterized the move as providing opportunities for youngsters ahead of the 2027 World Cup cycle, the reality on Wednesday suggested otherwise. Without Babar’s stabilizing presence in the middle order, Pakistan’s innings lacked any sense of direction or composure.
Other notable casualties of the T20 World Cup purge include Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan, both sidelined in what local media called a surgical strike by the selection committee.
In addition to overhauling the squad, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken the unprecedented step of imposing a fine of PKR 5 million (approximately US$18,000) on each member of the 2026 T20 World Cup squad.
Reportedly led by chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the punishments were handed out specifically for poor performance rather than disciplinary issues, a rare move in international cricket that drew sharp criticism from former captains such as Shahid Afridi and Younis Khan.
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
11 March 2026 17:27 IST
