Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the second ODI on Friday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. With the series currently being led by Bangladesh 1-0, the second match is a do-or-die battle for Pakistan in order to make a comeback in the three-match series. Bangladesh head into the second game brimming with confidence after a dominant eight-wicket victory in the opening ODI. Bangladesh’s performance in that game showed that their bowling attack remains the backbone of the side. 

The standout performer was young fast bowler Nahid Rana, whose blistering spell of 5 for 24 knocked down Pakistan’s batting lineup. Pakistan, who have travelled to Bangladesh with several fresh faces in the team, were bowled out for 114 in 30.4 overs. Later, chasing a modest target, Bangladesh made light work of the chase following a splendid knock from Tanzid Hasan, who scored a brilliant 67 unbeaten to take the side to victory in 15.1 overs. 

Notably, Pakistan are without their regular players such as Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Mohammad Nawaz. Their absence has opened the door for emerging talents to make their case. Despite the presence of promising players, Pakistan’s most pressing issue remains their fragile batting. In the opening match, the lineup struggled to cope with Bangladesh’s disciplined attack. Only Faheem Ashraf and Sahibzada Farhan offered meaningful resistance, while the rest of the order struggled to score runs. 

To give a tough fight to Bangladesh, Pakistan will need greater stability and massive performances from their middle-order batters Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan, who could not perform well in the first game. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, riding high on success, would look to maintain the rhythm to clinch the series. 

Head-to-head

Matches - 40

BAN won - 6

PAK won - 34

Bangladesh probable XI: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman

Pakistan probable XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed