Bangladesh clinch ODI series after defeating Pakistan in decider

Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 11 runs in the third and final ODI of the series at Mirpur on Sunday, securing the series 2-1, 24NewsHD TV reported. 

Chasing a target of 291 runs, Pakistan managed 279 all out, falling just short despite a valiant effort from Salman Agha, who scored a brilliant 106 runs.

His innings, however, could not take Pakistan over the line.

Other contributors for Pakistan included Saad Masood (38), captain Shaheen Shah Afridi (37), Abdul Samad (34), Ghazi Ghori (29), and Faheem Ashraf (9).

The rest of the batting lineup, including Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan, and Haris Rauf, were unable to make a significant impact.

Bangladesh’s bowlers were disciplined and struck at crucial moments.

Taskin Ahmed led the attack with 4 wickets, supported by Mustafizur Rahman (3) and Nahid Rana (2), while Rishad Hossain claimed 1 wicket.

The match kept fans on edge until the very last delivery, with Pakistan narrowly missing the target despite a late surge.

Earlier, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 290 for 5 against Pakistan. 

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi opted to field first in the series decider at Mirpur.

However, Bangladesh produced an aggressive batting display, led by a superb century from Tanzid Hasan. He smashed a 107-run knock and provided Bangladesh with a strong foundation.

He was well supported by Towhid Hridoy, who remained unbeaten on 44, while Litton Das contributed 41 runs, Saif Hassan added 36, and Najmul Hossain Shanto chipped in with 27.

Bangladesh finished on 290/5 in fifty overs, giving themselves a strong chance to clinch the series on home soil.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets, while skipper Shaheen Afridi and spinner Abrar Ahmed took one wicket each.

Pakistan entered the decisive match with injury concerns. Captain Shaheen Afridi confirmed before the start of play that Shamil Hussain and Hussain Talat were unavailable due to injuries, forcing changes in the playing XI.

As a result, Ghazi Ghori and Saad Masood were handed their ODI debuts.

In a notable pre-match moment, Saad Masood received his debut cap from Haris Rauf, while Ghazi Ghori was presented with his cap by Mohammad Rizwan.

Pakistan’s playing XIs

Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Agha, Abdul Samad, Saad Masood, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.

Bangladesh playing XIs

Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Nahid Rana.