In a historic moment for Bangladesh cricket, the national team secured their first-ever Test victory over Pakistan, triumphing by 10 wickets. The match, which took place at an eagerly anticipated venue in Rawalpindi, saw Bangladesh’s bowlers deliver a masterclass performance on Day 5, setting the stage for this remarkable win.
Bangladesh’s bowlers dominate
From the outset on Day 5, Bangladesh’s bowlers were on point, showcasing a disciplined and relentless approach. The pitch offered some wear and turn, which the spinners exploited to great effect.
Shoriful Islam and Mahmud Hasan set the tone with their disciplined bowling, applying consistent pressure on Pakistan’s batsmen. The turning point came early when Babar Azam, Pakistan’s premier batsman, was dropped on a duck.
Despite this reprieve, Babar couldn’t capitalize as Nahid Rana, bowling with raw pace, induced a false shot, dismissing him shortly after.
Pakistan struggles with bat
Pakistan’s batting line-up faltered against the well-coordinated Bangladesh attack. After Babar’s dismissal, the hosts found themselves in a downward spiral. Mohammad Rizwan tried to anchor the innings with a gritty performance, showing resilience against the spinning ball.
However, an attempted slog sweep proved his undoing, as he fell victim to the unyielding spin duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan. The entire Pakistan team could muster only 146 runs in their second innings, marking the lowest total ever recorded against Bangladesh in Test cricket.
Bangladesh seal win with minimal fuss
Needing just 30 runs to clinch victory, Bangladesh’s batsmen approached the target with calm determination. The small chase was a mere formality, and the visitors comfortably reached the target, securing an 10-wicket win and etching their names into the history books.
This victory is particularly significant as it marks the first time Bangladesh has defeated Pakistan in the longest format of the game.
New era for Bangladesh Cricket
This win signifies more than just a victory; it represents a new era in Bangladesh cricket. The team’s ability to outplay Pakistan, a side with a rich cricketing history, highlights the growth and maturity of Bangladesh as a formidable Test-playing nation. The bowlers’ performance, in particular, will be remembered as a key factor in this landmark achievement.
As Bangladesh celebrates this historic win, the cricketing world takes note of a team on the rise, capable of competing and succeeding against the best. The future looks bright for Bangladesh cricket as they continue to make strides on the international stage.
