Bangladesh secured a thrilling 2–1 series victory after defeating Pakistan by 11 runs in the third ODI in a tense decider. A brilliant maiden ODI century from Tanzid Hasan Tamim set up Bangladesh’s total, while the bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages to seal the win.
Despite a fighting century from Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan fell just short in a dramatic chase.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s Century Powers Bangladesh
After being asked to bat first, Bangladesh got off to a strong start as openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Saif Hassan stitched together a 105-run opening partnership.
Tanzid looked aggressive from the beginning, taking on the Pakistani pace attack and bringing up his half-century off just 47 balls. The left-hander continued to dominate and eventually reached his maiden ODI century in style by lofting Salman Agha for a six.
Saif Hassan was eventually dismissed by Shaheen Afridi, while Najmul Hossain Shanto added a valuable contribution before being trapped LBW by Haris Rauf.
Although Bangladesh looked set for a 300-plus total at one stage, Pakistan’s spinners slowed the scoring in the middle overs. Tanzid fell for 107, dismissed by Abrar Ahmed.
Late contributions from Towhid Hridoy, who remained unbeaten on 48, and Afif Hossain helped Bangladesh finish on 290/5 in 50 overs.
Pakistan’s Chase Rocked Early
Pakistan’s run chase got off to a disastrous start as the top order collapsed inside the first three overs.
Taskin Ahmed removed Sahibzada Farhan and then bowled Mohammad Rizwan with a sharp in-dipper. Meanwhile, Nahid Rana dismissed Maaz Sadaqat as Pakistan slipped to 17/3.
Debutant Ghazi Ghori showed promise with a few attacking shots and shared a brief recovery stand with Abdul Samad before both were dismissed.
Salman Agha’s Lone Fight
With Pakistan struggling at 82/5, Salman Agha launched a remarkable counterattack. He first shared a 79-run partnership with Saad Masood, followed by a 48-run stand with Faheem Ashraf.
Salman kept the required run rate under control with timely boundaries and reached his third ODI century with a six in the 44th over.
However, his dismissal in the 48th over to Taskin Ahmed proved to be a turning point, leaving Pakistan needing 28 runs from the final two overs.
Late Drama Seals Bangladesh Victory
The closing stages produced intense drama. Shaheen Afridi struck two sixes off Mustafizur Rahman to keep Pakistan alive in the chase.
Despite suffering a painful blow to his knee during the over, Mustafizur returned to claim a crucial wicket with the final ball.
Pakistan needed 14 runs from the last over, bowled by Rishad Hossain. A missed catch and a controversial wide decision reviewed by the umpires added to the tension.
In the end, Shaheen Afridi was stumped off the final delivery, as Bangladesh wrapped up the match with Pakistan all out for 279.
Match Summary
Bangladesh: 290/5 (50 overs)
- Tanzid Hasan Tamim 107
- Towhid Hridoy 48*
- Haris Rauf 3/52
Pakistan: 279 all out (50 overs)
- Salman Agha 106
- Taskin Ahmed 4/49
- Mustafizur Rahman 3/54
Bangladesh won by 11 runs and claimed the three-match ODI series 2–1.
