Pak vs Ban 3rd ODI Live: Taskin and Rana Blitz Leaves Pakistan Reeling in 1st Five in Massive Chase

DHAKA – Pakistan’s pursuit of a 291-run target in the PAK vs BAN 3rd ODI began in catastrophic fashion, as the visitors were left reeling at 17/3 within the first three overs of their innings. Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana produced a lethal opening burst that dismantled Pakistan's top order, effectively silencing the visitors' hopes of a smooth series-clinching chase. 

Early Wicket-Maiden Sets the Tone 

The nightmare started in the very first over. Taskin Ahmed, finding immediate extract bounce and movement off the Mirpur surface, struck with his fifth delivery. Sahibzada Farhan (6), attempting to poke at a back-of-a-length delivery outside off, was undone by the extra bounce. The ball took a thick shoulder edge and flew to wicketkeeper Litton Das, who made no mistake, sending Farhan back and leaving Pakistan at 6/1. 

Nahid Rana Joins the Party 

The pressure intensified in the second over as young speedster Nahid Rana, the destroyer from the first ODI, replicated his form. After being hit for a boundary, Rana responded with a sharp, rising bouncer that cramped Maaz Sadaqat for room. Sadaqat (6), the hero of Pakistan’s second ODI win, attempted a desperate hook but only managed to glove it to the keeper. With the score at 12/2, the silence in the Pakistan dugout was palpable. 

Rizwan’s Rare Failure

The knockout blow came in the third over when Taskin Ahmed returned to claim the prized scalp of Mohammad Rizwan. Looking to defend a much fuller delivery, Rizwan was beaten by late inward movement that exploited a gap between bat and pad, shattering the off-stump. Rizwan departed for just 4, leaving debutant Ghazi Ghori and the middle order with a monumental mountain to climb. 

By the end of the 5th over, Pakistan had somewhat stemmed the bleeding but remained in a precarious position, far behind the required run rate and lacking their most experienced anchors.