Dhaka, March 15 – Tanzid Hasan struck a superb century on his debut, while fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed (4-49) and Mustafizur Rahman (3-54) shared seven wickets as they helped Bangladesh win the series-deciding ODI against Pakistan by 11 runs at the Sher Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday.
Bangladesh had won the series opener by dismissing Pakistan for 114 in Dhaka before the visitors bounced back to win the second game easily. However, the hosts clinched the victory in the final match.
Chasing Bangladesh's challenging total of 290/5, which was built on a run-a-ball 107 by Tanzid Hasan, Pakistan lost 5 wickets for only 82 runs, as the hosts' pacers put up a brilliant performance. Their top batters, Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat, who had scored a century in the second ODI, both fell cheaply, scoring just six runs each, while former captain Mohammad Rizwan was out for 4, as Taskin Ahmad and Nahid Rana took multiple wickets. Eventually, Pakistan were all out for 279 in 50 overs, despite a fighting century by Salman Agha (106).
Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan's T20 captain, fought back for the visitors, scoring a 98-ball 106, hitting four sixes and nine fours to bring the visitors close to the target with Saad Masoon (38) and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi (37) playing crucial roles.
Pakistan needed 30 runs from the last 15 balls, and things could have gone their way. However, experienced Taskin Ahmed returned to bowl and dismissed Salman Agha, while Mustafizur and Rishad cleaned up the tail, securing a memorable series victory for the hosts.
For the hosts, Taskin Ahmed took 4-49 in his 10 overs, while Mustafizur Rahman took 3-54. Nahid Rana ended with 2-62 to restrict Pakistan's progress.
Earlier, after being asked to bat by Pakistan, Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan produced a stunning century to help the Tigers post a formidable total in the final match.
Asked to bat first, Tanzid Hasan led the charge with a sparkling 107, hitting six fours and seven towering sixes. The left-hander laid the foundation for a big total with fellow opener Saif Hassan (36), raising a solid 105-run opening partnership after Bangladesh was asked to bat first.
Tanzid dominated the Pakistan attack, putting together another crucial partnership of 53 runs with Najmul Hossain Shanto (27). After reaching his maiden century off 98 balls with a six, Tanzid was dismissed just when he was looking to accelerate, falling to leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed (1-49).
After his departure, captain Litton Das contributed 41 off 51 balls, while Towhid Hridoy remained unbeaten on 48 as Bangladesh posted a challenging total. For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the most successful bowler with 3 wickets for 52 runs.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh 290/5 in 50 overs (Tanzid Hasan 107, Towhid Hridoy 48 not out, Litton Das 41; Haris Rauf 3-52) beat Pakistan 279 all out (Salman Agha 106, Saad Masood 38, Shaheen Shah Afridi 37, Taskin Ahmed 4-49, Mustafizur Rahman 3-54, Nahid Rana 2-62) by 11 runs