Result : Bangladesh 329/6 (50.0 ov), Pakistan 250 (45.2 ov) - Bangladesh win by 79 runs

Toss: bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first

In the 3 match series Pakistan came in with a young team making 7 changes from the World Cup. The team was also hampered by a few injuries which did not help. A new captain leading the ODI team was always going to be a challenge.

A lacklustre bowling performance by Pakistan which allowed the Bangladesh batsmen to go from 67-2 (19.6 ov) to 329/6 (50 ov) and the batsmen's inability to consolidate and keep the score card ticking were the main reasons for Pakistan's 79 run loss today.

Centuries by Bangladeshi duo of Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rehman were further evidence of a marked improvement in the home side's ability to challenge top teams of the world. However, Pakistan will need to think very carefully about team selection for the next game on 19th April about the composition of their bowling attack.

In specific, Saeed Ajmal's most expensive ODI stats of 74 runs in 10 overs without a wicket will worry the Pakistan team management as this type of performance cannot be repeated again without loss of the series. Putting Ajmal aside who was making a comeback into International cricket after a long period, no other bowler could really have been considered to have bowled with any authority. Wahab Riaz once again showed his quality by picking four wickets for 59 in his ten overs but even he did give away more than what he would have expected.

Bangladesh go away happy today, knowing fully well that more history awaits them on Sunday should they be able to drive home today's advantage. For Pakistan's new captain, Azhar Ali, this will be a day which he would have liked to have showcased his leadership and batting skills but could only succeed on one account. In specific, his decision to bowl with part timers at a crucial stage of the game may be something he may not want to repeat again. How he recovers from this setback in the next game will be an excellent test of his ability to lead.

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