Bangladesh seal 2-1 ODI series victory over Pakistan

Bangladesh clinched a 2-1 One Day International series victory over Pakistan with an 11-run win in a tense third and final match in Dhaka yesterday (15 March).

Defending a competitive total of 290 for five, Bangladesh bowled out Pakistan for 279 in 50 overs to secure their second bilateral ODI series win over the visitors, the first coming 11 years ago.

Opener Tanzid Hasan starred with the bat, scoring a brilliant 107 off 107 balls, hitting six fours and seven sixes to anchor Bangladesh's innings. After Pakistan opted to field first, Bangladesh built a steady platform through an opening partnership between Tanzid and Saif Hassan. Saif was dismissed for 36 by Shaheen Shah Afridi, while Najmul Hossain Shanto made 27 before falling to Haris Rauf.

Tanzid continued to dominate the innings, adding useful runs with Litton Das, who scored 41, and Towhid Hridoy, who remained unbeaten on 48 to guide Bangladesh to a strong total.

Pakistan, however, faced an early collapse in the run chase. Taskin Ahmed struck in the first over, removing opener Sahibzada Farhan, and returned in the third over to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan. Nahid Rana also made early breakthroughs as Pakistan slipped into trouble.

Despite the early setbacks, Salman Ali Agha mounted a spirited fightback, scoring a superb 106 off 98 balls with nine fours and four sixes. His knock kept Pakistan in contention deep into the innings.

Taskin, however, returned to break the resistance by removing Agha and finishing with four wickets, while Bangladesh bowlers maintained pressure in the final overs.

Pakistan needed 14 runs in the final over but failed to close the gap as Bangladesh held their nerve to complete the victory.

The win sealed the series 2-1 and marked an impressive performance by Bangladesh in front of the home crowd.