MIRPUR – Bangladesh secured a historic 104-run victory over Pakistan in the opening Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Fast bowler Nahid Rana starred with a sensational five-wicket haul as Pakistan were bowled out for 163 while chasing a target of 268 on the final day. The win marked Bangladesh’s first-ever Test victory over Pakistan on home soil and their third consecutive Test triumph against the visitors. Pakistan’s chase suffered an early blow when Taskin Ahmed dismissed Imam-ul-Haq in the opening over. Debutants Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais tried to rebuild the innings with a steady partnership before Mehidy Hasan Miraz removed Azan for 15.
Captain Shan Masood also failed to make an impact, falling to Nahid Rana for just two runs. Fazal continued to resist with a fighting 66 off 113 deliveries, including 11 boundaries, while Salman Ali Agha added 26 to keep Pakistan in the contest. However, Bangladesh tightened their grip after Tea as Taijul Islam dismissed Fazal before Taskin removed Salman in the next over, reducing Pakistan to 121-5. Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel attempted to steady the innings, but Nahid Rana struck again to dismiss both batters after they scored 15 runs each. The young pacer then wrapped up the tail to finish with impressive figures of 5-40. Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed claimed two wickets each, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz took one as Bangladesh sealed a memorable victory.
Bangladesh declared their second innings at 240-9, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scoring 87 and Mominul Haque adding 56 to set Pakistan a target of 268. Hasan Ali and Noman Ali took three wickets each for Pakistan. Earlier, Bangladesh posted 413 in the first innings thanks to centuries and key contributions from Shanto, Mominul and Mushfiqur Rahim. Pakistan replied with 386, led by debutant Azan Awais’ impressive 103 and Abdullah Fazal’s 60. Bangladesh maintained control throughout the match to secure a convincing victory and take a 1-0 lead in the series ahead of the second Test in Sylhet.
Scores in Brief
BANGLADESH 413 AND 240-9 dec, 70.3 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 87, Mominul Haque 56; Hasan Ali 3-52, Noman Ali 3-76, Shaheen Afridi 2-54) beat PAKISTAN 386AND 163 all out, 52.5 overs (Abdullah Fazal 66, Salman Ali Agha 26; Nahid Rana 5-40, Taijul Islam 2-22, Taskin Ahmed 2-40) by 104 runs.
