In a nail-biting encounter at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh clinched a historic 2-1 ODI series victory against Pakistan with an 11-run win in the third and final match. Defending a target of 291, the Tigers overcame a heroic century by Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha to secure back-to-back series wins against the visitors.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s side, maintaining Bangladesh’s dominance over Pakistan in bilateral ODI series, following their 3-0 whitewash in 2015.
Tanzid’s Maiden Century Sets the Stage
Earlier, after being put into bat by Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Bangladesh got off to a flyer. Openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Saif Hassan put on a 105-run stand. While Saif fell for 36, Tanzid went on to smash his maiden ODI century, reaching the milestone in 98 balls. His brilliant 107-run knock included six boundaries and seven towering sixes.
Useful contributions from Najmul Hossain Shanto (27), Litton Das (41), and a steady unbeaten 48 from Towhid Hridoy propelled Bangladesh to a competitive 290/7. Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, claiming three wickets.
Early Blows and Salman’s Heroics
Pakistan’s chase began disastrously as Bangladesh’s pace duo, Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana, tore through the top order. The visitors were reeling at 17/3 within the first few overs, losing Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and the experienced Mohammad Rizwan cheaply.
Despite losing five wickets before reaching the 100-run mark, Salman Ali Agha played a magnificent lone hand. He anchored the innings with a 79-run partnership alongside debutant Saad Masood (38) and later received support from Shaheen Shah Afridi. Salman brought up a stunning century (106), keeping Pakistan in the hunt until the very end.
The Taskin Show
The match reached a fever pitch in the final overs. Taskin Ahmed proved to be the difference-maker, dismissing the dangerous Salman Ali Agha just as he threatened to snatch victory. Despite a late cameo from Shaheen Shah Afridi (37), who smashed two sixes in the 49th over, Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 279 on the final ball.
Bowling Performance:
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Taskin Ahmed: 4 wickets (The match-winner)
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Mustafizur Rahman: 3 wickets
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Nahid Rana: 2 wickets
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Rishad Hossain: 1 wicket
Series Summary
With this 11-run victory, Bangladesh secures the trophy 2-1, proving their mettle in the 50-over format once again. The emergence of Tanzid Hasan Tamim and the lethal form of Taskin Ahmed remain the biggest takeaways for the hosts.
