Multan, Sept 06: Thanks to a brilliant century by veteran Inzamamul Haq, Pakistan beat Bangladesh by one wicket to win the three-match series 3-0 on the fourth day of the third cricket Test here today. Inspired by playing in front of a home town crowd, he made an unbeaten 138 and completed a 3-0 series whitewash for Pakistan with the 20th boundary of his innings. In a thrilling finish, Umar Gul was run out with four runs still needed, bringing 18-year-old Yasir Ali to the crease.
He kept out two deliveries from Bangladesh skipper Khaled Mahmud before flicking him away for a single, and Inzamam put away the final ball of the over to clinch victory. It was the second time in the series that Pakistan had come from behind to win after conceding a first innings deficit.
And they were also indebted to Shabbir Ahmed and Umar Gul, who shared vital partnerships with Inzamam after picking up 15 wickets between them in the match.
Bangladesh have now lost 23 out of 24 matches since being granted Test status, but were competitive in every match in the series, their first under the tutelage of coach Dav Whatmore. Scores
Bangladesh: 281 and 154
Pakistan: 175 and 262 for nine (Inzamamul Haq 138 not out).
Bureau Report