Tigers clinch series after late drama

The contest had seemed all but over midway through Pakistan’s chase at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Bangladesh were firmly in control, the visitors reeling at 82 for five and still needing more than 200 runs. The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium crowd had already begun to sense a comfortable finish.
Then came the resistance from Salman Ali Agha.
He launched a stirring counterattack that dragged his team back into the contest and transformed what had looked like a routine win into a tense, twisting drama. Joined later by captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman pushed Bangladesh to the brink and almost spoiled the hosts’ party after Tanzid Hasan’s maiden ODI century had earlier set the platform.
But the cricket gods had other plans.
Tigers eventually survived the late surge to defeat the Pakistan national cricket team by 11 runs in the third ODI, sealing the three-match series 2–1.
Chasing 291, Pakistan were rocked early by the pace duo of Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana. Taskin re-moved Sahibzada Farhan in the opening over before Nahid dismissed Maaz Sadaqat and Mohammad Rizwan in quick succession as Pakistan slumped to 17 for three.
The visitors attempted to rebuild through Ghazi Ghori and Abdul Samad, but Bangladesh kept striking at regular intervals. Ghori made 29, and Samad added 34 before falling to Mustafizur Rahman, leaving Pakistan struggling at 82 for five.
Salman then produced a superb counterattacking innings. Playing with authority and composure, he steadied the chase and gradually pulled Pakistan back into contention. The right-hander reached his century from 98 balls, striking nine fours and four sixes, while sharing a vital partnership with Saad Masood, who scored 38.
The turning point arrived in the 48th over when Taskin dismissed Salman for 106, a breakthrough that swung the balance back towards Bangladesh.
Moments later, another dramatic moment unfolded. Afridi smashed a fierce drive straight back at Mustafizur, striking the pacer painfully on the inside of his knee and leaving him sprawled on the ground. 
Despite the injury, Mustafizur limped back to complete the over and immediately delivered a crucial blow. His slower ball tempted Haris Rauf into a wild swing, and the mishit was safely caught at wide long-on.
Pakistan still required 14 runs from the final over with Afridi on strike. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain held his nerve brilliantly; conceding just two runs as Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 279.

Earlier, Bangladesh had posted 290 for five, powered by Tanzid’s commanding century.
After Afridi opted to field, Tanzid and Saif Hassan added 105 for the opening stand before Saif depart-ed for 36. Tanzid dominated the innings, reaching his half-century from 47 balls and completing his maiden ODI hundred from 98 deliveries, striking six fours and seven sixes before being dismissed for 107 by Abrar Ahmed.
Najmul Hossain Shanto made 27, Litton Das scored 41, and Towhid Hridoy remained unbeaten on 48.
Bangladesh, however, managed only 77 runs in the final ten overs as Haris Rauf finished with three for 52.