Two key stakeholders of Asian cricket, Pakistan and Bangladesh, are facing each other in a three-match ODI series in Bangladesh. It is Bangladesh’s first international match after one month, as they decided to boycott the World Cup after their request to change their venue from India was denied by the ICC. Coming out to play their first match after the World Cup, Pakistan batters failed miserably and got all out in 114 runs and in reply, Bangladesh chased the runs in just 15.1 overs.

Also Read । FIR complaint filed against Hardik Pandya over alleged disrespect to Indian national flag

Winning the toss, Bangladesh captain Mehedy Hasan Miraz chose to bowl first and displayed one of the commanding performances of recent years. Pakistan came into the field with four debutants, which is the most since 2008. Sahibzada Farhan, who showcased his talent in front of the world in the World Cup, started steadily in his first ODI game. Another debutant opener, Maaz Sadaqat, also started firmly. After 41 runs opening stand, Pakistan lost their first wicket. After that, they never came back; they lost the next 5 wickets in just 29 runs. Faheem Ashraf emerged as a saviour, scoring 37 runs to help his team reach 114 runs.

Nahid Rana, the next star in making

In the match against Pakistan, 23-year-old Nahid Rana jabbed 5 batters. The boy from Chapai Nawabganj displayed one of the finest bowing performances. So far, he has played six ODI matches in which he took 10 wickets with an average of 24.9.

Shaun Tait, a former Australian cricketer and Bangladesh bowling coach, said about him as quoted by cricbuzz, “I think he's (Rana) got a point to prove. It's good to see him get an opportunity early in the series, in the first game. You know, I think he's got to put his hand up for the selectors to pick him. So, if he does well, if he gets a game, does well, then he's going to get picked, hopefully. So, I think, you know, it would just be nice to see a bit more... And if he puts performances like that together, hopefully we'll see a bit more.”

Also Read । IPL turns 19: Can fearless cricket redefine the league this season?

Bangladesh batters chased the runs easily, Tanzim Hasan Tamim smashed 67 runs, and Nazmul Hossain Shanto smashed 27 runs and won the match by 8 wickets.