Pakistan posted 274 all out in 47.3 overs after being sent in to bat. The innings was powered by a brilliant knock from Maaz Sadaqat, who smashed 75 off just 46 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes. Salman Agha provided strong support with 64 from 62 deliveries, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed a steady 44, helping Pakistan recover after a few middle-order setbacks.
Bangladesh’s chase began poorly as Pakistan’s pace attack struck early. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Najmul Hossain Shanto, while Mohammad Wasim Jr dismissed Saif Hassan, leaving the hosts at 15 for 3 inside the opening overs.
Soon after, the match was interrupted by thunder, lightning and rain, resulting in a 133-minute delay. When play resumed, the target was revised under the DLS method, with Bangladesh needing 243 runs from 32 overs.
However, Pakistan’s bowlers kept up the pressure. Maaz Sadaqat, already the star with the bat, shone with the ball as well, picking up three key wickets with his left-arm spin. Fast bowler Haris Rauf, who came into the side for Abrar Ahmed, also claimed three wickets to dismantle Bangladesh’s lower order.
The only resistance came from Litton Das, who top-scored with 41, and Towhid Hridoy, who made 28, but once their partnership was broken, Bangladesh’s batting quickly collapsed.
The hosts were eventually bowled out for 114 in 23.3 overs, the same score Pakistan had managed in the first ODI defeat.
Pakistan’s comprehensive win ensures the series is now level at 1-1, with everything to play for in the decider on March 15.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf.
Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman.