The Bangladesh vs Pakistan ODI series ended with a thrilling finish as Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 11 runs in the third and final match in Mirpur on Sunday, securing the series 2-1.
Chasing a challenging target of 291, Pakistan were bowled out for 279 in their 50 overs. The chase got off to a shaky start as both openers fell within the first two overs, putting the visitors under early pressure in the Bangladesh vs Pakistan ODI series decider.
Taskin Ahmed struck with the fifth ball of the match to remove Sahibzada Farhan for six. Soon after, Nahid Rana dismissed Maaz Sadaqat with a sharp bouncer. Pakistan found themselves struggling at 12-2 inside two overs.
Taskin continued his impressive spell and clean bowled Mohammad Rizwan for four. Pakistan slipped to 26-3, leaving the middle order with the task of rebuilding the innings in the Bangladesh vs Pakistan ODI series finale.
Debutant Ghazi Ghori and Abdul Samad tried to steady the innings. The pair added 50 runs for the fourth wicket and helped Pakistan cross the 50-run mark. Their resistance ended when Nahid dismissed Ghori for 29.
Abdul Samad fought hard for his 34 runs but Mustafizur Rahman broke the partnership and added more pressure on Pakistan.
Salman Ali Agha then stepped up and played a key role in Pakistan’s fightback during the Bangladesh vs Pakistan ODI series decider. Along with debutant Saad Masood, he built a valuable partnership that brought some stability to the chase.
Saad Masood impressed on debut with a composed 38 before Mustafizur Rahman removed him to break the 79-run stand. Pakistan were once again under pressure with the score at 161-6.
Despite wickets falling around him, Agha kept the scoreboard moving. The right-hander reached his tenth ODI half-century and later completed a brilliant century. His knock of 106 runs from 98 balls, which included nine fours and four sixes, kept Pakistan alive in the Bangladesh vs Pakistan ODI series contest.
Shaheen Afridi supported him well and added a useful partnership. However, Taskin Ahmed returned to dismiss Agha and delivered a major breakthrough for Bangladesh.
Shaheen tried to push Pakistan closer to victory with aggressive shots, including two big sixes in the closing overs. But Bangladesh bowlers held their nerve. Pakistan needed 14 runs in the final over but failed to finish the chase.
Rishad Hossain bowled a tight final over and gave away just two runs. Shaheen Afridi was stumped on the last ball after scoring 37, ending Pakistan’s hopes in the Bangladesh vs Pakistan ODI series.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh posted a strong total of 290 runs after choosing to bat first. Openers Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan gave the team a solid start with a 105-run partnership.
Tanzid looked confident from the beginning and scored freely. He completed his sixth ODI half-century and continued to dominate the bowling attack.
Pakistan finally broke the partnership when Shaheen Afridi dismissed Saif Hassan for 36.
Tanzid then added another important partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto. The pair kept the scoreboard moving and took Bangladesh beyond 150 runs.
Shanto made 27 before Haris Rauf removed him. Tanzid continued his impressive innings and went on to score his maiden ODI century. He made 107 runs from 107 balls with six fours and seven sixes before Abrar Ahmed dismissed him.
In the final overs, Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy played valuable knocks and built a 68-run partnership that helped Bangladesh cross 250 runs. Das scored 41 while Hridoy remained unbeaten on 48.
Haris Rauf was the standout bowler for Pakistan with three wickets for 52 runs. Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed picked up one wicket each.
Tanzid Hasan was named Player of the Match for his outstanding century, while Tanzid and Nahid Rana shared the Player of the Series award after helping Bangladesh win the Bangladesh vs Pakistan ODI series.
