Bangladesh secured the ODI series with an 11-run victory over Pakistan in a dramatic decider at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, defending 290 in a tense finish that went down to the final over.
Earlier in the day, opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim had powered Bangladesh to a competitive total with a superb maiden international century, but Pakistan came close to pulling off the chase thanks to a brilliant hundred from Agha Salman.
With the three-match series level at 1–1, the final ODI carried high stakes for both teams. After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi opted to field first.
Bangladesh responded with a positive start as Tanzid and Saif Hassan added 105 for the opening wicket. The partnership provided a strong platform before Afridi struck in the 19th over. Saif attempted to charge down the pitch but missed the line of the delivery and was bowled for 36 off 55 balls.
The hosts then suffered a minor setback when Najmul Hossain Shanto failed to convert his start, departing for 27 after being dismissed by Haris Rauf.
The innings, however, revolved around Tanzid. The young opener batted with authority and confidence, reaching his half-century from just 47 balls before bringing up his hundred from 98 deliveries.
His impressive knock ended soon after the milestone when he attempted a cut shot off Abrar Ahmed and was caught at cover by Afridi. Tanzid made 107 from 107 balls, striking six fours and seven sixes in a commanding display.
Bangladesh continued to build through a useful fourth-wicket partnership between Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy, who added 68 runs to push the total closer to the 300 mark. Litton contributed 41 before once again falling to Rauf.
The hosts lost some momentum in the closing stages when Rishad Hossain was bowled by Rauf off the first ball he faced. Nevertheless, Bangladesh finished on 290 for 5 from 50 overs, setting Pakistan a challenging target.
Pakistan’s chase began poorly as Taskin Ahmed struck in the opening over, removing Sahibzada Farhan for 4 with a catch behind to Litton. Soon after, Nahid Rana dismissed Maj Sadakat, and Taskin returned to bowl Mohammad Rizwan, leaving Pakistan struggling at 17 for 3 after three overs.
Despite the early damage, Abdul Samad and debutant Gazi Ghori attempted to stabilise the innings with a steady partnership. The pair added 50 runs before Nahid broke the stand, bowling Ghori for 29.
Bangladesh tightened their grip further when Mustafizur Rahman removed Samad for 34, leaving Pakistan on 82 for 5
Pakistan’s hopes were revived by an impressive counterattack from Agha Salman, who built a 79-run partnership with debutant Saad Masood. Masood made 38 before Mustafiz ended the stand.
Salman continued to lead the chase, reaching his half-century with a six off Rishad Hossain before accelerating rapidly. He brought up his century in style with another six, reaching the milestone from 89 balls after taking 60 deliveries to reach fifty.
The right-hander looked capable of pulling off a remarkable victory, but Taskin Ahmed eventually broke through, removing Salman for 106 from 98 balls. Najmul Hossain Shanto ran in from the mid-wicket boundary to complete the catch.
Pakistan still had an outside chance in the final overs, but Bangladesh held their nerve. Mustafizur Rahman even continued bowling after taking a painful blow above the knee from a straight drive by Shaheen Afridi, before dismissing Haris Rauf with the final ball of the 49th over.
Needing 14 runs in the last over, Afridi and Abrar Ahmed faced Rishad. After two dot balls and a scrambled couple, Bangladesh won a crucial review when an initial wide was overturned after replays showed the ball had brushed Afridi’s bat.
With the pressure mounting, Afridi advanced down the pitch off the final delivery but missed the ball completely. Liton Das completed the stumping to seal an 11-run victory, handing Bangladesh the series in a thrilling finish.
With the pressure mounting, Afridi advanced down the pitch off the final delivery but missed the ball completely. Liton Das completed the stumping to seal an 11-run victory, handing Bangladesh the series in a thrilling finish.
