Bangladesh clinch ODI series against Pakistan with narrow 11-run victory
Dhaka, March 15
Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 11 runs in a thrilling third ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday, securing the three-match series 2-1.
Batting first, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 290/5 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by a brilliant century from Tanzid Hasan Tamim, whose elegant strokeplay set the tone for the innings.
Litton Das provided a steady 41, while Towhid Hridoy contributed a vital 48, ensuring Bangladesh maintained momentum through the middle overs. The partnership efforts and timely acceleration in the final overs helped Bangladesh set a challenging target for Pakistan.
In reply, Pakistan showed resilience, with Salman Agha producing a fighting century to keep his team in contention. Saad Masood (38) and Shaheen Afridi (37) also added crucial runs, but the chase fell short as Bangladesh bowlers struck at critical junctures.
Taskin Ahmed led the bowling attack with composure, scalping four wickets, while Mustafizur Rahman also chipped in with three wickets, restricting Pakistan to 279 and securing a thrilling 11-run victory. Bangladesh hold their nerve to seal the series. A cracker of a game after two one-sided ones before.
Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, after the match, said, "Definitely, it was an excellent match. And yes, sometimes I was also afraid, like, you know, the boys played really well in the last over, 14 runs. Everybody is afraid. (on their score) Definitely. I think it was an excellent wicket. If we could get 300, it would definitely be better. But it's still well. We're playing well, especially with Amim, the way he batted. And definitely, they played really, really well. And then the little dash and Shankal and Tawhid, they played really well."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Tanzid Hasan Tamim played a gem of an innings. His century was the difference. Pakistan's lower order fightback was impressive too, but they left it a bit too late. Good for the sport when matches are this close.
Bangladesh held their nerve brilliantly. Taskin Ahmed's four wickets were crucial. From an Indian perspective, it's a reminder that no team in the subcontinent can be taken lightly anymore. Well played, Bangladesh!
Respectful criticism: I feel Pakistan's top order let them down again. They are too dependent on their middle and lower order to bail them out. Babar Azam's form is a concern. Still, a fantastic match for neutrals like me!
Sher-e-Bangla stadium was rocking! 🇧🇩 The passion for cricket in Bangladesh is incredible. This win at home will mean so much to their fans. Cricket is truly the unifying force in South Asia.
A proper thriller! Salman Agha's century in a losing cause deserves applause. The standard of ODI cricket in the subcontinent remains very high. Looking forward to more such series.
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