Pakistan looked down and out early in the chase of 291 after losing three wickets for just 17 runs, but a superb century from Salman Ali Agha brought them roaring back into the contest.
The all-rounder struck 106 off 98 balls with nine fours and four sixes, forging crucial partnerships that dragged the match deep into the final over.
With Pakistan needing 14 runs from the last over and only one wicket in hand, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz handed the ball to Rishad Hossain despite the leg-spinner having conceded heavily earlier.
Rishad kept his composure brilliantly, conceding just a few runs and forcing a tense review moment before dismissing Shaheen Shah Afridi on the final ball to seal the victory.
Earlier, Taskin Ahmed played a key role in turning the game back in Bangladesh’s favour by dismissing Salman in the 48th over when the batter mistimed a slower delivery and was caught by Najmul Hossain Shanto at midwicket. Taskin finished with 4 for 49, the best figures for the hosts.
Mustafizur Rahman also chipped in with three wickets, including the dismissal of Haris Rauf late in the innings despite carrying an injury.
Pakistan’s recovery had earlier been built on a 79-run stand between Salman and debutant Saad Masood after Bangladesh’s fast bowlers made early inroads. Taskin Ahmed had removed Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Rizwan, while Nahid Rana dismissed Maaz Sadaqat to leave the visitors reeling early.
Bangladesh’s innings was powered by a brilliant century from Tanzid Hasan, who struck 107 off 107 balls with six fours and seven sixes.
He shared a 105-run opening partnership with Saif Hassan and added further runs with Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das to set the platform.
Late contributions from Towhid Hridoy (48*) and Litton helped Bangladesh reach 290 for 5, although the hosts were unable to accelerate as much as expected in the final overs.
In the end, Bangladesh’s bowlers held their nerve just in time to secure a narrow but memorable win.
