Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana’s maiden five-wicket haul led the Tigers to a crushing eight-wicket win against visiting Pakistan in the first One Day International at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday.
Rana bowled a magical spell, delivering seven overs from the tenth over of Pakistan’s innings, and claimed five wickets to restrict the visitors to a low total of just 114 on what was a relatively good batting wicket.
This was Pakistan’s lowest total against Bangladesh, surpassing their previous lowest of 161 during the 1999 World Cup match where Bangladesh secured a famous victory.
In reply, Bangladesh opener Tanzid Tamim made a blistering start and remained unbeaten on 67 off just 42 deliveries, sealing the victory for Bangladesh in only 15.1 overs.
Tanzid smashed seven boundaries and five sixes in his entertaining knock.
Earlier, Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and elected to bowl.
Pakistan fielded a new-look playing XI, with four players making their debut.
Pakistan’s new opening pair, Maaz Sadiq and Sahibzada Farhan, made a steady start as they put together 41 runs for the opening stand inside the first 10 overs.
At one stage, until the tenth over, it looked like Pakistan were heading towards a good total with the openers settling down nicely and the ball coming onto the bat well.
Miraz brought Rana into the attack as the second change in the tenth over, and the fast bowler struck immediately.
Farhan was caught at point after scoring 27 on debut.
Rana then ran through the opposition’s batting order as the right-arm pacer produced a superb spell of fast bowling on a sporting Mirpur wicket, leaving Pakistan with no answer to his lethal pace and accuracy.
Rana took four more wickets in his next four overs as Shamyl Hussain (4), Maaz Sadaqat (18), Mohammad Rizwan (10) and Salman Ali Agha (5) all fell to his lightning pace and precise line and length.
Skipper Miraz kept the pressure on from the other end as the off-spinner also restricted the run flow and picked up three wickets in his ten overs.
Pakistan were reeling under Rana’s fiery spell and Miraz’s tight bowling and at one stage were nine down for just 82 runs in 24 overs.
Faheem Ashraf showed some resistance towards the end, scoring 37 off 47 balls to help Pakistan cross the 100-run mark.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 114 in 30.4 overs.
Rana took five wickets in his seven-over spell, while Miraz claimed three. Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed took one wicket each.
The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Friday.