Is Pakistan really between Bangladesh and a win?

Bangladesh have shown glimpses of promise but are yet to clinch their first win on their tour to Pakistan. Despite getting whitewashed in the T20I series, they tried to bounce back in the first game of the ODI leg but failed again.



Their bowling unit, which immensely depends on frontline medium pacers Jahanara Alam and Panna Ghosh, kept Pakistan batters quiet in the first 15 overs before getting hammered and losing their way in the middle overs. Once Pakistan batters settled in they found the gaps as Bangladesh's fielding was mediocre, which added to the misery of the bowlers.



Bangladesh openers have not been effective so far and that has time and again put their experienced batters under pressure. Their batting continues to revolve around Ayasha Rahman, Fargana Haque, Nigar Sultana and Rumana Ahmed. Coming to crease knowing the onus is on them has cost the wickets of the veterans as well. As such, players like Rumana, the team's premier all-rounder, and Sultana have not been able to find their rhythm.



Pakistan, on the other hand, are enjoying their winning streak and getting better with each game. When their top order collapses, their middle order consisting Omaima Sohail and Aliya Riaz are happy to accept the challenge. Experienced players like Bismah Maroof, Javeria Khan and Nahida Khan have been supporting and guiding their partners, which is increasing the confidence of their young legs.



The hosts' bowling department shares the burden equally despite the absence of all-rounder Nida Dar, who is competing in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). Strengthened by veteran Sana Mir, Pakistan have found regular wickets and have successfully defended their below-par total in the opening ODI match.



Will Bangladesh be able to find a room to breathe or will Pakistan secure another series on Monday (November 4) at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore? More importantly, is Pakistan's supreme gameplay the reason for a winless tour so far for Bangladesh or are their own shortcomings hurting them?



Squads



Pakistan: Bismah Maroof (c), Aliya Riaz, Aroob Shah, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Kainat Imtiaz, Nashra Sandhu, Nahida Khan, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sana Mir, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz (wk).



Bangladesh: Rumana Ahmed (c), Salma Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Shamima Sultana (wk), Ayesha Rahman, Nigar Sultana, Sanjida Islam, Lata Mondol, Panna Ghosh, Ekka Mollik, Sharmin Sultana, Khadija Tul Kubra, Fargana Haque Pinki, Sharmin Sultana Supta, Shanjida Akther.