Tigers thump Pakistan after 16 years by 79 runs

Bangladesh broke the 16-year jinx against Pakistan when they thumped them by 79 runs in the first match of the Dan Cake ODI Cricket Series at Mirpur Stadium today.

The last nail in Pakistan's coffin was struck by Shakib Al Hasan when he trapped Saeed Ajmal leg-before-wicket and sent the home crowd into delirious celebration.

Rubel Hossain, wicket-less early in his spells took the crucial wicket of Mohammad Rizwan who was looking dangerous after smashing 67 runs from 58 balls with eight hits across the fence.

Taskin Ahmed returned for his last spell where he bowled out Wahab Riaz for 8 runs and took Tigers closer to victory. He contributed with three important wickets in this match.

Pakistan's hopes of a victory were dashed by Arafat Sunny who picked up two wickets in his ninth over, sending back Fawad Alam and Saad Nasim within the space of three balls. He had the best bowling figures of the match with three wickets for 47 runs in ten overs.

After dismissing Pakistan's captain, Taskin Ahmed dealt Pakistan's chase a crippling blow when he removed Haris Sohail who was batting well on 51 runs to his name.

With wickets falling around him, Pakistani opener Azhar Ali kept his team's chase on track with positive batting before he was dismissed by Taskin Ahmed for 72 runs. He struck seven 4s in his innings.

Pakistan lost their most experienced batsmen in Mohammad Hafeez to a brilliant run-out as he failed to beat Soumya Sarkar's bullet throw from the outfield.

After a steady start, Pakistan's hard-hitting opener Sarfraz Ahmed got out when he smashed Arafat Sunny's delivery straight to Nasir Hossain at square-leg boundary.

Earlier, Bangladesh continued the good run from the World Cup and piled their highest 329 against Pakistan in the first ODI in the home series at Sher-e-Bangla stadium in Mirpur today.

The innings was highlighted by Tamim Iqbal slamming a ton on the face of his critiques, Mushfiq chipping in his hundred and bad fielding performance from Pakistan.

Choosing to bat first, Bangladesh began with a cautious and steady 48-run opening stand between Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar before the latter was run out.

Mahmudullah Riyad came in as the first down batsman, in continuation of what was seen at the World Cup, but stayed for a brief period before being bowled by Rahat Ali.

Mushfiqur Rahim came to the scene and put on a staggering 178-run partnership with Tamim Iqbal, the highest third-wicket stand for Bangladesh in ODIs.

Both of them went to score centuries. Mushfiqur Rahim was the peak of the two flattening Pakistan with 106 from only 77 balls. Tamim scored 132 from 135 balls.

In the end, Bangladesh ended up with 329 – the highest team total in ODI.

Pakistan dropped some catches and both Mushfiq and Tamim were dropped early on. Wahab Riaz ended with three wickets and Rahat Ali with one.

Bangladesh Team

Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicketkeeper), Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Sabbir Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Abul Hasan, Arafat Sunny, Taskin Ahmed and Rubel Hossain

Pakistan Team
Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali (Captain), Haris Sohail, Saad Nasim, Mohammad Rizwan, Fawad Alam, Sarfraz Ahmed (Wicketkeeper), Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal and Rahat Ali

Enjoy the highlights of the first match of the Dan Cake ODI Cricket Series between Bangladesh and Pakistan.