Pakistan Crush Bangladesh by 128 Runs in Rain-Hit Thriller: Maaz Sadaqat Announces Himself on the Big Stage

Cricket in Dhaka rarely fails to deliver drama, and the second ODI between Pakistan national cricket team and Bangladesh national cricket team on March 13, 2026 was no exception. Played at the iconic Shere Bangla National Stadium, the rain-interrupted match had everything—an emerging young star, a controversial moment, and a commanding victory.

In a contest that shifted between dominance and chaos, Pakistan secured a 128-run win via the DLS method, leveling the three-match series 1-1 and setting the stage for an exciting decider.

Yet the biggest headline from the night was not just Pakistan’s victory—it was the emergence of 20-year-old all-rounder Maaz Sadaqat, who delivered a remarkable all-round performance in only his second ODI appearance.

Match Summary

Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
Date: March 13, 2026

Revised Target: 243 in 32 overs (DLS Method)
Result: Pakistan won by 128 runs
Player of the Match: Maaz Sadaqat – 75 (46) & 3/23

Pakistan’s Aggressive Opening Approach

Coming into the match after losing the first ODI, Pakistan responded with a fearless batting strategy. The opening pair of Maaz Sadaqat and Sahibzada Farhan launched an aggressive attack right from the first over.

Instead of cautiously settling into the innings, the duo took on Bangladesh’s bowling attack during the powerplay, turning the opening overs into a run-scoring spectacle.

Sadaqat’s Breakthrough Performance

Sadaqat’s innings combined aggression with composure.

Key Highlights:

• 75 runs from 46 balls

• 6 fours and 5 sixes

• Strike rate of 163

His ability to dominate both pace and spin disrupted Bangladesh’s bowling rhythm completely. By the 13th over, Pakistan had already crossed 100 runs, placing the hosts under immense pressure.

For a player appearing in just his second ODI, the innings showed maturity well beyond his years—suggesting Pakistan may have uncovered a valuable new all-rounder.

Salman and Rizwan Stabilize the Innings

After the explosive start, Pakistan briefly lost momentum. However, the middle order ensured the innings stayed on track.

Agha Salman scored a steady 64, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 44, combining for a crucial 109-run partnership.

Salman balanced calculated aggression with smart strike rotation, while Rizwan played his typical role of anchoring the innings. By the 40th over, Pakistan were comfortably positioned at 231/3, appearing set to push beyond the 300 mark.

The Controversial Turning Point

Momentum shifted dramatically after a controversial run-out involving Agha Salman.

The dismissal triggered a sudden collapse as Pakistan lost seven wickets for just 43 runs. From a dominant 231/3, they slipped to 274 all out in 47.3 overs.

Bangladesh spinner Rishad Hossain capitalized on the situation, finishing with 3/56 and preventing Pakistan from reaching an even bigger total.

Despite the collapse, 274 remained a challenging target on the Dhaka surface.

Bangladesh’s Difficult Start

Bangladesh needed a solid foundation to chase the target, but Pakistan’s pace attack quickly disrupted their plans.

Early wickets fell rapidly:

• Tanzid Hasan

• Saif Hassan

• Najmul Hossain Shanto

All three were dismissed with only 15 runs on the board.

Shaheen Shah Afridi generated dangerous swing with the new ball, while Mohammad Wasim Jr maintained constant pressure.

Rain Interruption Changes the Equation

With Bangladesh struggling at 27/3, a sudden hailstorm forced players off the field and halted the match for nearly two hours.

When play resumed, the DLS method revised Bangladesh’s target to 243 runs in 32 overs, significantly increasing the required run rate to nearly 10 runs per over.

Brief Resistance from Bangladesh

Despite the pressure, Litton Das (41) and Towhid Hridoy (28) attempted to rebuild the innings with a fighting partnership.

For a brief moment, the crowd sensed a possible comeback.

Sadaqat Completes the All-Round Show

The breakthrough came when Maaz Sadaqat returned with his left-arm spin.

His most crucial wicket was that of Litton Das, Bangladesh’s most threatening batter at the time. Once Litton departed, the resistance collapsed quickly.

Sadaqat finished with 3 wickets for 23 runs, sealing a memorable all-round performance.

Pakistan’s Bowlers Seal the Victory

Pakistan’s bowlers completed the job with ruthless efficiency.

Bowling Figures:

• Haris Rauf – 3/26

• Maaz Sadaqat – 3/23

• Shaheen Shah Afridi – crucial early wickets

Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 114 in 23.3 overs, handing Pakistan a dominant 128-run victory.

Tactical Insights from the Match

1. Emergence of Maaz Sadaqat

Pakistan may have discovered a valuable modern ODI asset.

Sadaqat demonstrated the ability to:

• Attack during the powerplay

• Contribute spin overs in the middle

• Handle pressure situations calmly

His aggressive strike rate of 163 and crucial three wickets proved decisive.

2. Strength in Pakistan’s Bowling Unit

After a disappointing opening ODI, Pakistan’s bowling attack responded impressively.

The combination of Shaheen Afridi’s swing, Wasim Jr’s discipline, Rauf’s pace, and Sadaqat’s spin provided a well-balanced attack.

3. Bangladesh’s Top-Order Concerns

Bangladesh’s main problem remained their fragile top order.

Early wickets once again placed the middle order under pressure. Even Litton Das’s resistance was not enough to repair the damage.

Unless the opening partnership stabilizes, chasing large targets will continue to be difficult.

The Series Decider Awaits

With the series now tied 1-1, everything will be decided in the third ODI on March 15 in Dhaka.

Key questions remain:

• Can Bangladesh fix their struggling top order?

• Will Pakistan continue using Maaz Sadaqat as an opener?

• Will the controversial run-out incident remain a talking point heading into the final match?

One thing is certain—after such a dramatic contest, the series finale promises even more excitement. 🏏