In a nail-biting finale to the three-match ODI series, Bangladesh edged past Pakistan by 11 runs, sealing a 2-1 series triumph at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Defending a competitive total of 291, Bangladesh’s pace attack struck early to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup, while veteran Salman Ali Agha almost single-handedly carried the visitors close to an improbable win.
The victory also marks a historic achievement for Bangladesh, who have now won consecutive ODI series against Pakistan. The last bilateral series between the two sides was in 2015, when Bangladesh whitewashed Pakistan 3-0.
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Early Setback for Pakistan
Chasing 291, Pakistan’s innings began in disarray. Bangladesh pacers Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana exploited early conditions expertly, reducing Pakistan to 17 for 3 within the opening overs. Taskin dismissed Sahibzada Farhan (6) in the first over, followed by Nahid trapping Maz Sadakat (6) in the next. Taskin returned to bowl Rizwan (4) in his second over, leaving Pakistan under severe pressure.
Efforts by Gazi Ghuri and Abdul Samad to steady the innings yielded little. Ghuri made 29 off 39 balls, while Samad scored 34 from 45 deliveries, leaving Pakistan five wickets down just past the 100-run mark.
Salman Ali Agha’s Heroics
The innings’ backbone came from Salman Ali Agha, who initially partnered with Sadiq Masud. The pair added 79 runs before Masud fell for 38, bowled by Mustafizur Rahman. Salman then combined with Shahin Shah Afridi, reaching both a half-century and a century, keeping Pakistan in contention. Taskin Ahmed eventually ended Salman’s innings at 106, yet Pakistan remained within striking distance. Shahin’s aggressive hitting in the 49th over, including two sixes, brought Pakistan tantalisingly close, but the visitors ultimately fell short at 279, 11 runs behind.
Bangladesh Bowling Excellence
Bangladesh’s bowlers were outstanding, with Taskin Ahmed leading the attack with four wickets. Mustafizur Rahman claimed three wickets, Nahid Rana took two, and Rishad Hossain captured one.
| Bowler | Wickets | Runs Conceded |
|---|---|---|
| Taskin Ahmed | 4 | – |
| Mustafizur Rahman | 3 | – |
| Nahid Rana | 2 | – |
| Rishad Hossain | 1 | – |
For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Shahin Shah Afridi claimed one each.
Bangladesh Batting Highlights
Winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat and got off to a flying start with an opening partnership of 105 runs. Saifuddin scored 36 off 55 balls before being bowled by Shahin Shah Afridi, and Nazmul Hossain Shanto added 27 runs, falling to Haris Rauf.
Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim celebrated his maiden ODI century with 107 off 107 balls, featuring six fours and seven sixes. He built a crucial fourth-wicket partnership of 68 runs with Liton Kumar Das, who contributed 41. Lower down, Towhid Hridoy remained unbeaten on 48 from 44 balls, with Afif Hossain finishing five not out, taking Bangladesh to 290 for 6.
| Category | Bangladesh | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Total Runs | 290/6 | 279 all out |
| Highest Scorer | Tanzid Hasan Tamim – 107 | Salman Ali Agha – 106 |
| Leading Wicket-taker | Taskin Ahmed – 4 | Haris Rauf – 3 |
| Result | Bangladesh won by 11 runs | – |
Series Implications
This thrilling victory not only secured the series but also highlighted Bangladesh’s growing strength in ODI cricket. With consistent performances from both batting and bowling units, Mehedi Hasan Miraz’s side continue to establish themselves as a formidable force on the international stage.