After ending their 16-year wait, Bangladesh will be confident of sealing a historic series by beating their senior sub-continent rivals in the second of the three one-day internationals today.
But Shakib Al Hasan, who led the team in absence of regular captain Mashrafe Mortaza, warned his team-mates that winning the series will in no way be a walk in the park.
“We will have the upper hand and the confidence will be high the next two matches but it won’t be easy. We have to play our best cricket.”
Mashrafe will be back to lead Bangladesh after the one-game ban because of slow over-rate during the World Cup quarter-final against India in Melbourne last month.
The Bangladesh tour mark the start of a new era for Pakistan cricket following the one-day retirement of skipper Misbah-ul Haq and senior all-rounder Shahid Afridi after the World Cup.
The current team comprised just four players who took part in the World Cup, giving new ODI captain Azhar Ali a relatively inexperienced bunch of tourists.
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PRINTThis is a record seventh wicket partnership for Pakistan. Wahab 31, Nasim 23 in the 57-run stand.
End of 47th Over: Pakistan 207/6
S Nasim 72* (90) Wahab Riaz* 27* (28)
End of 46th Over: Pakistan 198/6
Wahab Riaz* 21* (25) S Nasim 69* (87)
In June 2008, Pakistan successfully defended a target of 234 against Bangladesh at this stadium. Will they manage to get a total in that region today?
End of 45th Over: Pakistan 190/6
Wahab Riaz 20* (23) S Nasim* 62* (83)
End of 44th Over: Pakistan 185/6
Another 30-40 runs here will give the Pakistan bowlers some heart. But will it be enough for a Bangladesh batting line which is in rollicking form?
Pakistan RR 4.22 Last 5 ovs 31/1 RR 6.20
