A brilliant maiden century from Tanzid Hasan powered Bangladesh national cricket team to a narrow victory over Pakistan national cricket team in the third and final one-day international on Sunday, sealing a 2-1 series triumph for the hosts in Dhaka.
Bangladesh posted a challenging 290-5 after batting first at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, with the 22-year-old opener anchoring the innings with a superb 107.
Pakistan fought hard in reply but fell just short, finishing on 279 for all as Bangladesh held their nerve in a tense finish to clinch the decider.
Tanzid laid the foundation for Bangladesh with a composed knock off 107 balls, striking six fours and seven sixes. The left-hander dominated the Pakistan attack and ensured the home side built a competitive total on a surface that offered assistance to bowlers later in the innings.
He shared a solid opening partnership with Saif Hassan, giving Bangladesh early stability before Pakistan struck to break the stand.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto added useful runs in the middle order, while Litton Das helped keep the scoreboard ticking as Bangladesh maintained momentum through the middle overs.
After Tanzid's dismissal, Towhid Hridoy provided the late impetus with an unbeaten 48, accelerating in the final overs to push Bangladesh close to the 300 mark and give the bowlers a defendable target.
Pakistan's chase was built around several useful contributions, but Bangladesh's bowlers made key breakthroughs at crucial moments.
Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed led the attack with four wickets while Mustafizur Rahman hauled three wickets repeatedly striking when Pakistan looked set to take control of the chase.
Pakistan's lower order mounted a late surge to keep the contest alive, but Bangladesh held their nerve in the closing overs to seal a memorable win.
The victory capped a strong series for the hosts after the teams entered the final match level at 1-1. Bangladesh had dominated the opening match, bowling Pakistan out for just 114 before cruising to an eight-wicket win, while Pakistan bounced back with a comprehensive victory in the rain-affected second game.
Sunday's result ensured Bangladesh clinched the three-match ODI series 2-1, delighting the home crowd in Mirpur and underlining the team's growing confidence in the format.
