Tigers survive late scare to seal ODI series

Bangladesh survived a thrilling late fightback from Salman Ali Agha and Shaheen Shah Afridi to defeat Pakistan by 11 runs in a gripping third One Day International at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday, sealing the three-match series 2–1.

Chasing 291, Pakistan were jolted early by the pace pair of Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana. Taskin removed Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Rizwan in the opening and third over respectively, while Nahid dismissed Maaz Sadaqat in quick succession, leaving Pakistan reeling at 17 for three.

The visitors tried to rebuild through Ghazi Ghori and Abdul Samad, but Bangladesh kept striking at key moments. Ghori made 29 and Samad added 34 before falling to Mustafizur Rahman, reducing Pakistan to 82 for five.

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Just when the chase seemed to be fading, Salman launched a superb counterattack. Batting with authority, he steadied the innings and gradually hauled Pakistan back into contention. The right-hander reached his century off 98 balls, striking nine fours and four sixes, and shared a crucial stand with Saad Masood, who contributed 38.

The turning point arrived in the 48th over when Taskin dismissed Salman for 106, shifting the balance again towards Bangladesh.

Moments later came a dramatic passage involving Mustafizur. Pakistan captain Afridi drove a ball straight back that struck the pacer painfully on the knee, leaving him writhing in pain on the ground as physios rushed out.

Despite the injury, Mustafizur limped back to complete the over and produced an immediate reward. His slower delivery tempted Haris Rauf into a wild swing, the mishit 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 and keeping the pressure intact as Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 279.

Earlier, Bangladesh posted 290 for five, powered by a commanding century from Tanzid Hasan Tamim. After Afridi opted to field, Tanzid and Saif Hassan put on 105 for the opening stand before Saif departed for 36.

Tanzid dominated the innings, reaching his half-century off 47 balls and 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.

However, Bangladesh managed only 77 runs in the final 10 overs as Rauf finished with three for 52.