Bangladesh secured a historic 2-1 ODI series victory over Pakistan after a nerve-wracking 11-run win in the third and final match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Defending a target of 291, the Bangladeshi pacers dismantled the visitors' top order early on, eventually overcoming a valiant solo effort from Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha.
This victory marks a consecutive series win for Bangladesh against Pakistan in the ODI format. The two sides last met in a bilateral series in 2015, where Bangladesh completed a 3-0 whitewash.
Early Blows and Middle-Order Resistance
Pakistan’s chase got off to a disastrous start as Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana tore through the top order, leaving the visitors reeling at 17/3.
Taskin removed Sahibzada Farhan (6) in the opening over before Rana dismissed Maaz Sadaqat (6). Taskin then struck again to send skipper Rizwan back for just 4.
Gazi Ghouri (29) and Abdul Samad (34) attempted to stabilize the innings, but both fell before they could convert their starts into a match-winning partnership.
With Pakistan struggling at 100/5, Salman Ali Agha took charge. He found support from debutant Saad Masud, and the duo added 79 runs for the sixth wicket.
However, Mustafizur Rahman provided the crucial breakthrough, bowling Masud for 38 with a trademark delivery. Taskin Ahmed later returned to dismiss Faheem Ashraf (9), finishing as the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4 wickets.
Tanzid’s Maiden Century Sets the Tone
Earlier, after being put into bat by Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Bangladesh enjoyed a blistering start.
Openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Saif Hassan put on a 105-run stand. Saif was the first to fall for 36, followed shortly by Najmul Hossain Shanto (27).
The highlight of the innings was Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s maiden ODI century. Reaching his fifty in 47 balls, he completed his ton off 98 deliveries. His aggressive knock of 107 off 107 balls included 6 boundaries and 7 towering sixes before he was caught off Abrar Ahmed.
Middle-order contributions from Litton Das (41) and an unbeaten 48 from Towhid Hridoy propelled Bangladesh to a competitive total of 290. Haris Rauf was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming three wickets.
