In a performance that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, a new-look Pakistan side was bundled out for a paltry 114 runs in the first ODI of a three-match series against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday. On a day that was supposed to signal a fresh start for the Men in Green, the ghosts of their recent T20 World Cup failure continued to haunt them.

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Opting to bowl first on a surface that offered significant bounce and zip, Bangladesh’s pace sensation Nahid Rana tore through the Pakistani batting lineup. Rana’s ferocious spell of 5/24 left the visitors reeling, as he dismantled a top order that looked utterly out of its depth in subcontinental conditions.

Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 1st ODI Updates

Pakistan actually began the contest with a semblance of stability, reaching 41/1 in the 10th over. However, the dismissal of Sahibzada Farhan (27) triggered a collapse that saw the visitors lose nine wickets for just 73 runs. The middle order, anchored by veteran Mohammad Rizwan, offered no resistance. Rizwan was caught behind for 10, while Salman Ali Agha managed only 5.

Debutants Maaz Sadaqat (18) and Shamyl Hussain (4) struggled to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket, falling prey to Rana’s relentless pace.

It was only a late, defiant cameo from Faheem Ashraf, who top-scored with 37, that pushed the total past the 100-run mark.

Bangladesh’s captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz also played a vital role, picking up 3/29 to ensure the tail did not wag for long. Pakistan was eventually dismissed in just 30.4 overs.

NO BABAR AZAM FOR PAKISTAN

The dismal performance in Mirpur comes just days after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took the radical step of dropping former captain Babar Azam from the ODI squad. The decision followed a disastrous T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, where Babar managed a mere 91 runs across four innings, failing to inspire his side beyond the Super 8 stage.

The omission of Babar, once considered the King of the ODI batting lineup, has divided fans and experts. While captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and head coach Mike Hesson have characterised the move as giving opportunities to youngsters ahead of the 2027 World Cup cycle, the reality on Wednesday suggested otherwise. Without Babar’s stabilising presence in the middle order, the Pakistani innings lacked any sense of direction or composure.

Other high-profile casualties of the T20 World Cup purge include Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan, both of whom were sidelined as part of what local media has dubbed a surgical strike by the selection committee.

In addition to the squad overhaul, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took the unprecedented step of imposing a PKR 5 million (approx. USD 18,000) fine on every member of the T20 World Cup 2026 squad.

The penalties, reportedly spearheaded by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, were levied specifically for poor performance rather than disciplinary issues, a rare move in international cricket that has drawn sharp criticism from former captains like Shahid Afridi and Younis Khan.

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