Rawalpindi, Aug 26: In a stunning upset, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 10 wickets in the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. This historic win marks Bangladesh’s first-ever Test victory over Pakistan, breaking a 23-year wait and a streak of 14 encounters.
Bangladesh’s comprehensive performance was led by Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who shared seven wickets in Pakistan’s second innings, dismissing them for just 146. Pakistan’s decision to field an all-pace attack backfired, as Bangladesh’s spinners dominated the game.
Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, faced criticism for his tactics, including a questionable declaration of their first innings at 448/6. Bangladesh responded with a formidable 565 runs, thanks to a stellar 191 from Mushfiqur Rahim, establishing a significant lead.
Pakistan struggled in their second innings, with Mohammad Rizwan’s 51 being the top score as the team failed to mount a serious challenge. Bangladesh’s openers, Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan, needed only 6.3 overs to chase down the 30-run target and secure their historic win.
The result continues Pakistan’s troubling form in Test cricket at home, with the team now enduring five losses and four draws since their last victory over South Africa in 2021.
As Bangladesh leads the two-match series 1-0, the final Test will commence at the same venue on August 30, following a venue switch from Karachi due to ongoing construction at the National Bank Stadium.
Mushfiqur Rahim, Player of the Match, said, This is one of my finest (knocks) so far, because we haven’t done that well overseas. All the players prepared well in Pakistan and back home as well. Before the Test series, there was a two and a half months gap. All the players and management were there, the other white-ball players were playing in the World Cup. I’m thankful to the coaching staff and management. When I meet all these guys, it’s a luxury for him (Shanto) and I try to give my best. Doing well for my country inspires me. I want to make an announcement, want to donate my prize money as there’s been a flood back in Bangladesh.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, said, It’s very special, last night I spoke with my wife. She said if we win, it will be very good and luckily, we won today. It’s very massive, we had never won here, but we believed before the start of the series and we did really well. Especially in the last 10-15 days, we have worked really hard. Credit goes to all the bowlers, Nahid bowled really well, Shakib was also good and Mehidy bowled with a lot of control and bowled the right lines and lengths. Playing after a long time it’s difficult for a opener but the way he (Shadman) and Zakir batted, it really helped our team. Hopefully, they continue their form. Mushfiqur for the last 15-17 years has done really well and he is not tiring, he is playing with the same intensity. He played really well in these hot conditions. I’m not only giving credit to him but all the fifteen members of our squad.
