By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Pakistan’s experiment with a largely inexperienced batting line-up backfired as Bangladesh cruised to an eight-wicket win in the opening one-day international, leaving the visitors under pressure to level the series in the second match on Friday.
Pakistan opted to rest several senior players, including Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, and fielded four uncapped batsmen in the first ODI at Sher‑e‑Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The move proved costly as Pakistan collapsed to 114 – their lowest total against Bangladesh while batting first in an ODI.
The visitors handed debuts to Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, Maaz Sadaqat and Abdul Samad. But it did not turn impressive against a disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack led by fast bowler Nahid Rana.
Rana ripped through Pakistan’s top order, claiming five wickets including those of senior batsmen Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman, leaving Pakistan struggling to build partnerships after a modest start.
The pitch offered assistance to the seamers and was far from easy for stroke play. Pakistan looked set for a competitive total early on but suffered a dramatic middle-order collapse before all-rounder Faheem Ashraf struck a fighting 37 to help the tourists crawl past the 100-run mark.
Bangladesh, however, made light work of the chase. Pakistan’s bowlers failed to exploit the same conditions and the hosts reached the target comfortably to secure a commanding 1-0 lead in the bilateral series.
While giving opportunities to emerging players is part of Pakistan’s rebuilding process ahead of the next year’s World Cup, fielding too many inexperienced players in an away series can be risky, particularly in challenging sub-continental conditions.
Pakistan will get a chance to respond when the teams meet again at the same venue on Friday. A defeat would hand Bangladesh the series while a win would force a decider.
For Pakistan to bounce back, their batsmen will need to show greater patience. Conditions in Bangladesh demand a traditional ODI approach rather than the aggressive tempo often associated with Twenty20 cricket. Building innings, playing close to the body and relying on conventional stroke play will be crucial.
Top-order stability will also be key. Pakistan will look towards the experience of Rizwan and Agha Salman to anchor the innings and guide the younger players if they are to stage a comeback.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi will also be expected to lead the bowling attack from the front. The left-arm quick may consider changes to the pace unit after an underwhelming display in the opening match.
Fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr struggled to make an impact in the first ODI and could make way for Haris Rauf, who is pushing for a return to the side.
With the series on the line, Friday’s contest will test Pakistan’s ability to recover quickly and adapt to conditions as they attempt to level the series against a confident Bangladesh side.
Pakistan expected line-up: 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
Bangladesh expected squad: 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
