Winners and Losers from Bangladesh vs. Pakistan ODI Series
Bangladesh achieved the rare feat of a series whitewash when they beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the third and final ODI of their three-match series.
It was quite the series for Bangladesh, who looked to have turned a corner since making it to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Pakistan, on the other hand, have had a torrid time and will need to turn things around quickly before the Test series begins.
There will be some big celebrations from Bangladesh and rightly so.
We’ve picked some winners and losers from the series. Add yours in the comments.
Winner: Bangladesh’s Stature as an ODI Team
1 of 5
After reaching the quarter-finals of the cricket World Cup, Bangladesh looked like they had turned a corner. The series against Pakistan presented an opportunity to prove that what they had achieved was no fluke.
As poor as Pakistan were during the series, Bangladesh have been equally consistent. They have found a way to convert their good starts into great results, and their first ever ODI series win over Pakistan is something to savour.
They are a relatively young team and should stay together for a few years still to come. If they can continue to build on these positive performances, the future for Bangladesh cricket is looking bright.
Winner: Bangladesh’s Bowlers
2 of 5
Arafat Sunny and Shakib Al Hasan led the way for Bangladesh's bowlers, but their feats would not have been possible without the support of Taskin Ahmed and Rubel Hossain.
Although Ahmed is still somewhat inconsistent, he is only 20 years old and still has his whole career ahead of him. It is a revelation to see a Bangladesh bowler with genuine pace, and the powers that be will have to make sure they nurture their young star to make sure he goes on to achieve his full potential.
Sub-continental tracks might not be entirely conducive to his progress, which is why it is important for his mentors to guide him and teach him patience.
Winners: Azhar Ali and Wahab Riaz
3 of 5
Azhar Ali was one of the few Pakistan batsmen to find consistent success in this series and has surely now cemented his place at the top of the order for Pakistan.
He did not play during the World Cup and was only recently ushered back into the side, not just as opener, but also as captain.
With three senior players departing, Ali has his work cut out for him. While he might have gotten off to a less than ideal start from a team perspective, he's set the foundations on a personal level to go on and achieve great things.
Wahab Riaz, too, had a good series and was one of the few bowlers who managed to perform. He was in great touch during the World Cup and has bowled some brilliant fast spells recently.
If he can kick on from here and perform in the Test series, Riaz will be a real thorn in the side of Bangladesh’s batsmen.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Loser: Pakistan's Approach to ODIs
4 of 5
OK, so this one is kind of obvious. Pakistan lost the series but it’s not so much the fact that they lost, it’s more how they lost.
Poor shot-selection, woeful bowling, missed chances and a general lack of oomph seemed to plague Pakistan throughout the ODI series. The departure of senior players would have played a role, of course, but teams have to find inspiration to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Hopefully this is just a bump in the road.
Loser: Saeed Ajmal
5 of 5
It’s a bit harsh to single out one individual, but Saeed Ajmal’s performance (or lack thereof) stands out like a sore thumb.
Since returning to international cricket, following a ban because of his action, Ajmal just hasn’t looked the bowler he was before. He was woeful in the two games he played, managing just a solitary wicket while conceding over 100 runs.
He didn’t play in the third and final ODI and will now have to switch gears and hope that he can make an impact in the Test arena, provided he cracks the nod to the starting XI, of course.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
