Pakistan leveled the three-match ODI series with a commanding 128-run victory (DLS method) over Bangladesh in the second ODI at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka, on Friday. The decider will be played at the same venue on Sunday, 15 March.
Opting to field first, Bangladesh saw Pakistan pile up 274 in 47.3 overs, thanks to a fiery knock from Maaz Sadaqat and steady contributions from the middle order under captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz gave Pakistan a flying start, adding 103 runs in just 13 overs. Maaz was the standout, smashing six fours and five sixes in a 46-ball 75, reaching his fifty in only 31 deliveries. This was just his second ODI after debuting in the series opener.
Following the brisk start, Mohammad Rizwan (44 off 59) and Salman Ali Agha (64 off 62) stitched together a vital 109-run stand for the fourth wicket, stabilizing the innings after a brief stumble. Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain (3 wickets) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (2 wickets) tried to pull things back, but Pakistan’s total proved daunting.
Rain revised Bangladesh’s chase to 243 in 32 overs, but Shaheen Afridi struck early, removing Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto. Mohammad Wasim added to the damage, leaving the hosts tottering at 13 for 3.
Litton Das (41 off 33) and Towhid Hridoy (28 off 38) attempted a recovery, but Maaz returned with the ball to dismantle the middle order, claiming 3 for 23 and dismissing Litton, Afif Hossain, and Rishad Hossain. Haris Rauf (3 for 26) and Faheem Ashraf (1 wicket) wrapped things up as Bangladesh folded for 114 in 23.3 overs, well short of the target.
For his explosive batting and decisive bowling, 20-year-old Maaz Sadaqat was named Player of the Match.
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