Mirpur, Dhaka – March 15, (V7N) - In a thrilling contest that went down to the final ball, the Bangladesh national cricket team defeated the Pakistan national cricket team by 11 runs in the third ODI at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, sealing a memorable 2-1 series victory. The victory marked a significant moment for Bangladesh cricket as the hosts successfully defended 290 and celebrated their second ODI series win over Pakistan. A magnificent century from Tanzid Hasan laid the platform for Bangladesh’s total, while disciplined bowling performances from Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Nahid Rana ensured the hosts held their nerve in a tense finale. 

Tanzid Hasan’s Century Anchors Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s innings was built around a brilliant hundred from young opener Tanzid Hasan, who delivered one of the finest knocks of his ODI career. The left-hander scored a composed 107 off 107 balls, striking six fours and seven sixes in a perfectly balanced innings that combined patience with aggression. Tanzid carefully assessed the conditions during the early overs before accelerating once the ball softened, ensuring Bangladesh maintained a healthy scoring rate through the middle overs.

His century was particularly significant given the pressure on Bangladesh’s batting unit to produce a competitive total against a formidable Pakistani bowling attack led by captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Strong Opening Partnership Sets the Tone

The hosts made a confident start as Saif Hassan partnered Tanzid Hasan in an impressive opening stand. The duo added 105 runs for the first wicket, laying a strong foundation for the innings. Saif played the supporting role effectively, scoring a steady 36 off 55 balls while allowing Tanzid to take the initiative against the bowlers.

The partnership forced Pakistan onto the defensive early in the innings and ensured Bangladesh entered the middle overs with both wickets and momentum intact.

Middle Order Keeps the Scoreboard Moving

After the opening breakthrough, Bangladesh’s middle order continued to push the total forward. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed a useful 27, while wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das added a composed 41 to stabilize the innings.

The late overs saw Towhid Hridoy produce an unbeaten 48, ensuring Bangladesh finished strongly. His aggressive approach in the final overs allowed the hosts to reach a competitive total of 290 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs.

Pakistan’s Bowlers Fight Back

Despite Bangladesh’s solid start, Pakistan’s bowlers fought back admirably in the latter stages of the innings. Fast bowler Haris Rauf delivered a crucial spell, finishing with figures of 3 for 52 in his ten overs. His ability to pick up wickets in quick succession helped slow Bangladesh’s momentum during the middle overs.

Spinner Abrar Ahmed also made an impact with a disciplined spell that kept the run rate under control.

Pakistan’s Early Collapse

Pakistan’s chase began disastrously as Bangladesh’s pace attack struck early. Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana ripped through the top order, dismissing key batters within the first three overs.

Pakistan quickly found themselves struggling at 17 for 3 after losing openers and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, placing immense pressure on the middle order to rebuild the innings.

Salman Agha’s Heroic Century

Pakistan’s fightback was led by a magnificent century from Salman Ali Agha, who produced a heroic innings under pressure. Agha scored 106 off 98 balls, striking nine boundaries and four sixes while single-handedly reviving Pakistan’s chase.

His partnership with Saad Masood steadied the innings and brought Pakistan back into contention after their early collapse.

Shaheen Afridi’s Late Assault

Just when Bangladesh appeared to have regained control, Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi launched a counterattack that threatened to snatch victory away from the hosts. Afridi smashed two towering sixes during the closing overs, briefly swinging momentum in Pakistan’s favor.

With 14 runs needed in the final over and Afridi at the crease, the match hung in the balance.

Taskin Ahmed’s Crucial Breakthrough

Bangladesh’s hopes were revived in the 48th over when Taskin Ahmed dismissed the well-set Salman Agha with a cleverly disguised slower ball. The wicket proved decisive, as Pakistan lost their most reliable batter at a critical stage of the chase.

Taskin finished with outstanding figures of 4 for 49, leading Bangladesh’s bowling effort with remarkable control and intensity.

Mustafizur Rahman’s Courageous Spell

Veteran pacer Mustafizur Rahman played a crucial role in the death overs, even continuing to bowl despite suffering a painful blow to his knee while fielding. His determination earned him the vital wicket of Haris Rauf, further denting Pakistan’s hopes of completing the chase.

Mustafizur’s final figures of 3 for 54 highlighted his ability to deliver under pressure.

Rishad Hossain Seals the Victory

The dramatic final over was entrusted to spinner Rishad Hossain, who held his nerve superbly. With Pakistan needing 14 runs, Rishad kept his composure and produced a series of disciplined deliveries.

On the final ball, Shaheen Afridi charged down the pitch attempting a big hit but missed completely, allowing Litton Das to complete a stumping that sealed Bangladesh’s victory.

The win secured Bangladesh a 2-1 ODI series victory and sparked celebrations among players and fans at the stadium. Opener Tanzid Hasan was named Player of the Match for his brilliant century, while fast bowler Nahid Rana shared the Player of the Series award alongside Tanzid for his consistent performances throughout the series.For Bangladesh, the triumph represents a powerful statement of resilience and talent as they continue to build a new generation of international stars.

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