'We should...': Miraz on match-winning review vs Pakistan
What's the story
Bangladesh's ODI series victory over Pakistan was sealed by a last-minute decision to review a delivery. The review was taken on the advice of wicketkeeper Litton Das and teammate Najmul Hossain Shanto, according to Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The strategic move played a key role in ensuring Bangladesh's 11-run win at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, clinching the three-match series 2-1.
Tactical move
The moment that turned the tide
With Pakistan needing 12 runs off the last two balls, leg-spinner Rishad Hossain bowled a delivery outside leg stump that Shaheen Shah Afridi missed. The on-field umpire called it a wide, bringing Pakistan's target down to 11 runs in two balls. However, Miraz chose to review the decision despite knowing it wouldn't lead to an LBW call. The idea was simple: if the ball had touched Afridi's bat before reaching the keeper, it wouldn't be considered a wide.
Confirmation
Replays confirmed the ball had touched Afridi's bat
Replays showed that the ball had indeed grazed Afridi's bat before reaching the keeper. This overturned the wide call and although it didn't produce a wicket, it effectively secured Bangladesh's victory by canceling out an extra run. Pakistan captain Afridi seemed to question Bangladesh's review decision but the review stood.
Post-match explanation
Miraz explains review decision
After Bangladesh's series-clinching win, Miraz explained the rationale behind the review in a post-match press conference. He said, "We discussed the review together. Litton and Shanto were there. Both of them suggested that since we still had reviews left, we should take it." Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had posted a strong total of 290 runs on the back of Tanzid Hasan Tamim's century.
Bowling prowess
Bangladesh's bowlers kept Pakistan in check
Bangladesh's bowlers, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, reduced Pakistan to 82 for five at one point in the match. However, a brilliant century from Salman Agha brought Pakistan back into contention. The game got tense when they needed 39 runs from the last four overs. Miraz admitted it was nerve-wracking but always believed they'd win the match.
Historic victory
Bangladesh clinch historic series win over Pakistan
After Salman was dismissed, Pakistan needed 28 runs from the last two overs. Afridi gave hope to the visitors by hitting two sixes off Mustafizur but they ultimately fell short. The win marked only the second time Bangladesh had won an ODI series against Pakistan.