Tanzid Tamim ton takes Tigers to 290/5

Bangla Press Desk:   Bangladesh rode on a commanding century from Tanzid Hasan, but a sluggish finish prevented them from pushing well beyond 300 as they posted 290/5 in the third and final ODI against the Pakistan national cricket team at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday.

After Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi opted to field, Bangladesh made a confident start through an assured opening stand between Tanzid and Saif Hassan. The pair negotiated the new ball calmly and laid a solid platform, adding 105 runs for the first wicket. Saif contributed a patient 36 from 55 balls before Afridi broke the partnership in the 19th over.Tanzid, however, continued to dictate the tempo. Mixing elegant drives with clean hitting over the ropes, the left-hander reached his half-century off 47 balls and gradually assumed full control of the innings. He later brought up his maiden ODI hundred from 98 deliveries, striking six fours and seven sixes in an innings that blended composure with aggression.

Bangladesh moved to 158 for two when Najmul Hossain Shanto was trapped lbw by Haris Rauf for 27. Tanzid’s enterprising knock eventually ended on 107 from 107 balls when he was caught off Abrar Ahmed in the 37th over, leaving the hosts in a strong position at 194 for three.

Litton Das attempted to accelerate during the closing phase and made 41 from 51 balls, while Towhid Hridoy provided late impetus with an unbeaten 48 off 44 deliveries.

Yet Bangladesh could not fully capitalise on the platform laid earlier. Despite entering the final ten overs with a promising base, the scoring rate dipped as Pakistan’s bowlers tightened their lines. 

The hosts managed only 77 runs in the last ten overs while losing two wickets, a return that kept the total below what once appeared a likely 310-plus finish.

Rauf was the most successful of the Pakistan bowlers, finishing with three wickets for 52 runs in his ten overs. Afridi and Abrar claimed one wicket each while maintaining control during key periods.

Bangladesh will nevertheless feel their total gives them something to defend, particularly after Tanzid’s standout innings that anchored the hosts’ effort. Pakistan now require 291 to win the match and the series decider.

Source: daily Sun

BP/SP