Maaz Sadaqat’s All-Round Brilliance Leads Pakistan to Victory Over Bangladesh

Drama always seems to follow Bangladesh and Pakistan when they clash, and the 2nd ODI in Mirpur was no different. Pakistan got off to a strong start, but things took a wild turn after Salman Agha’s strange run out, which sparked a dramatic collapse.

Despite the chaos on the field, Pakistan managed to secure a convincing 128-run victory via DLS on Friday (March 13), leveling the series at 1-1 as they head into the decider at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday. Even the weather played its part, with lightning and hail briefly halting the action. 

Pakistan batted first on a lively pitch, and Maaz Sadaqat quickly stole the show. In just his second ODI, the left-handed opener unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes against Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, propelling Pakistan to 50 runs in just seven overs.

Bangladesh turned to Nahid Rana, but he too faced the wrath of the batsmen as Pakistan raced to 85/0 during the first Powerplay. Skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz finally broke the partnership when Sadaqat attempted a scoop and ended up popping the ball to the keeper. His impressive 46-ball 75, featuring six fours and five sixes, set a strong foundation. 

Collapse After Agha’s Run Out 

Mohammad Rizwan and Agha were in the process of rebuilding with a solid 109-run partnership when chaos struck again. Mehidy collided with Agha at the non-striker’s end, resulting in a bizarre underarm dismissal that left Agha fuming. Rizwan soon followed suit in the same over, and that triggered a dramatic collapse. Pakistan lost seven wickets for just 43 runs, with Rishad Hossain wrapping up the innings at 274. 

Bangladesh’s response got off to a nightmarish start, losing three wickets for just 15 runs. After a rain and hail delay, their revised target of 243 in 32 overs proved to be too much. Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy tried to mount a comeback, but Sadaqat’s bowling, along with Haris Rauf’s three wickets, sealed the deal. Bangladesh was bowled out for a mere 114 in 24 overs, handing Pakistan a comprehensive victory.