Agha’s century in vain as Bangladesh clinch ODI series 2-1
News Desk
Mirpur: A valiant century by Salman Ali Agha went in vain as Bangladesh edged Pakistan by 11 runs in the third One-Day International at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, sealing the three-match series 2-1 on Sunday.
Chasing a challenging target of 291, Pakistan were bowled out for 279 in their allotted 50 overs despite a spirited fightback led by Agha, who scored a brilliant 106 off 98 deliveries.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a disastrous start as both openers were dismissed within the first two overs. Taskin Ahmed struck early to remove Sahibzada Farhan for six, while Nahid Rana dismissed Maaz Sadaqat shortly after, leaving Pakistan struggling at 12-2.
Taskin then delivered another crucial blow by bowling Mohammad Rizwan for four, further tightening Bangladesh’s grip on the match.
Debutant Ghazi Ghori and Abdul Samad attempted to stabilise the innings with a 50-run partnership, but Ghori fell for 29, followed by Samad who made 34.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/pakistan-post-274-as-run-out-drama-erupts/
Salman Ali Agha and debutant Saad Masood then revived Pakistan’s hopes with a steady partnership, adding 79 runs and easing the pressure after the early setbacks. Saad contributed a valuable 38 before falling to Mustafizur Rahman.
Agha continued to anchor the innings and brought up his 10th ODI half-century before accelerating his scoring. He later reached a well-compiled century, keeping Pakistan in the contest.
The all-rounder also shared a crucial 50-run stand with Shaheen Shah Afridi, bringing Pakistan close to the target. However, Taskin Ahmed struck again to dismiss Agha, who hit nine fours and four sixes in his outstanding knock.
Shaheen Afridi tried to finish the chase with some aggressive hitting, scoring 37 off 36 balls, but Bangladesh held their nerve in the final over as Pakistan fell short by 11 runs.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/moaz-sadaqat-shines-as-pakistan-crush-bangladesh-by-128-runs/
Taskin Ahmed was the standout performer with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Mustafizur Rahman provided key breakthroughs.
Earlier, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 290 after opting to bat first.
Openers Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan laid a strong foundation with a 105-run partnership. Saif scored 36 before being dismissed by Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Tanzid continued his impressive form and went on to score a superb 107 off 107 balls, registering his maiden ODI century and anchoring Bangladesh’s innings.
Najmul Hossain Shanto added 27, while Litton Das contributed 41 and Towhid Hridoy remained unbeaten on 48 to guide Bangladesh to a solid total.
For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 52 runs in his 10 overs, while Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed claimed one wicket each.
Despite Agha’s fighting century, Bangladesh maintained their composure in the closing stages to secure the victory and clinch the ODI series 2-1.
