Treat Pakistan matches like a comedy series, says Kamran Akmal after ODI series loss to Bangladesh

Dhaka, 15 March 2026 — Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has launched a scathing attack on the national side after their 1-2 ODI series defeat to Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, urging fans to view the team’s performances as “a comedy series” rather than serious cricket.

Akmal’s remarks lit up social media within minutes of Bangladesh’s 11-run win in Friday’s decider, a result that sealed the hosts’ first bilateral ODI series triumph over Pakistan in 11 years.

“Why are we even bothered about the Pakistan team? Why are we analysing how they played? We should treat their games as a comedy series. Today they have brought disgrace by losing to a 10th-ranked team,” Akmal said.

The three-match contest, played from 11-15 March, swung wildly before Bangladesh ultimately prevailed:

1st ODI – Bangladesh dominate Pakistan were skittled for 114 in 31.2 overs after electing to bat first. Nahid Rana spearheaded the demolition with incisive pace, before Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s 50-ball fifty guided the hosts home in 15.1 overs.

2nd ODI – Pakistan bounce back A day later Pakistan levelled the series with a mirror-image performance. Salman Ali Agha’s men posted 274 and then bundled Bangladesh out for 114, setting up a winner-takes-all finale.

3rd ODI – Bangladesh seal history Batting first, Bangladesh rode Tanzid’s second consecutive century—107 off 98 balls—and a 132-run opening stand with Saif Hassan to reach 290 for five. Pakistan’s reply featured a maiden ODI hundred from Salman Ali Agha, but Taskin Ahmed’s double-wicket burst in the death overs restricted the visitors to 279, sparking jubilant scenes in Dhaka.

Speaking after the trophy presentation, Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi defended his young squad: “I’m really proud of the team. They fight till the end… the youngsters came here for the one-day first time and they played… we will back them.”

Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz praised his bowling unit for holding their nerve: “Taskin, Nahid Rana… they bowled really, really well… I’m really, really happy.”

The result leaves Pakistan facing fresh questions over selection, strategy and fitness, while Bangladesh celebrate a landmark series victory that lifts spirits ahead of a busy home season.

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