Nahid Rana’s Five-Wicket Blitz Consigns Pakistan to New Record Low in Pak vs Bang 1st ODI

A relentless pace barrage led by speedster Nahid Rana left Pakistan’s revamped ODI lineup in tatters. Due to his brilliance, Pakistan team got out on their lowest ODI total against Bangladesh (114 in just 30.4 overs) in Pak vs Ban 1st ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

The "Men in Green" found themselves facing a nightmare start. After Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl on a surface that offered early zip and bounce, the decision was immediately vindicated.

The story of the innings was undoubtedly 23-year-old Nahid Rana. From his opening spell, Rana generated discomforting pace, clocking speeds consistently above 145 clicks. He drew first blood by removing debutant Shamyl Hussain for a duck with a sharp lifter that took the shoulder of the bat.

While fellow debutant Sahibzada Farhan showed glimpses of class with a few crisp drives in his 27, he eventually fell victim to Rana’s raw pace. The middle order offered no resistance. The experienced Mohammad Rizwan (10) was caught behind, leaving Pakistan reeling at 64-4.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, leading from the front, suffocated the scoring in the middle overs. He utilized the grip off the surface to claim 3 for 29.

At 77-7, Pakistan looked in danger of failing to cross the hundred-run mark. However, Faheem Ashraf provided a solitary spark of defiance. Playing a lone hand, Ashraf struck six boundaries and a six in his 37 off 47 balls. 

Nahid Rana returned to clean up the tail, finishing with career-best figures of 5 for 24. His five-wicket haul was a masterclass in aggressive fast bowling.