Bangladesh Eyes Series Sweep as Pakistan Seeks Turnaround

Pakistan is looking to step up their game as Bangladesh aims for a quick series win. The first ODI match between the two teams is currently underway at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat, and they're currently at 115/2 in 15.1 overs, chasing Pakistan's score of 114 all out. Pakistan's batting lineup struggled in the first ODI, collapsing to 114 all out. Nahid Rana's impressive 5/24 derailed their innings. The young fast bowler's career-best figures handed Bangladesh a strong advantage. Nahid, who carries the threat of pace and bounce, mixed his lengths up and caught the Pakistan batters napping. Even the experienced Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha fell to Nahid's perfect execution. Pakistan were bowled out for 114, their lowest total batting first against Bangladesh, and now face a must-win match on Friday. Pakistan's lack of discipline with the ball cost them dearly, conceding 14 wides and allowing Bangladesh to cruise to an 8-wicket win with 209 balls to spare. Bangladesh now leads the series 1-0, eyeing a sweep. Bangladesh will also be pleased with their captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz bagging three wickets, as he has been under fire for his lack of performance in ODIs. It was a timely contribution for the team too, with Bangladesh at times guilty of giving away good starts. Everything seemed to go Bangladesh's way, in fact, with Tanzid Hasan flaying 67* off 42 balls in the chase. Tanzid Hasan's been in top form, and he showed glimpses of his talent against Pakistan, smashing 7 fours and 5 sixes. After missing the T20 World Cup, he's making a statement. Faheem Ashraf also caught attention with his all-round performance. Bangladesh asked Pakistan to bat first in the series opener, and their fast bowlers feasted on a bouncy Shere Bangla National Stadium pitch. If the surface is similar on Friday, the Pakistan quicks will want to exploit it in their bid to level the series. However, like in the first ODI, there is rain forecast for Friday, although it remained clear for the short duration of the game on Wednesday. Amid Pakistan's disastrous batting on Wednesday, their top-scorer was Faheem Ashraf with 37 runs from No. 8. He already has good memories of Dhaka. Last July, he nearly single-handedly took Pakistan to victory in a T20I with 51 off 32 balls at the same venue. With Pakistan's batting lacking experience, there's a case for them to promote Faheem in the order and hope he can hold it together for them.