Pakistan’s troubles in Test cricket deepened on Tuesday as Shan Masood’s side suffered a humiliating first-ever Test defeat in Bangladesh, losing by 104 runs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.
BAN vs PAK, 1st Test Day 5: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
Powered by a fiery five-wicket haul from tearaway pacer Nahid Rana, Bangladesh completed a historic home victory and extended Pakistan’s miserable run in the longest format.
It was a stunning session from the hosts, led by the youngest member of the squad in Nahid. The fast bowler finished with figures of 5 for 40 as he ripped through Pakistan’s lower order, claiming the crucial wickets of Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan.
Pakistan’s resistance had already suffered an early blow with the dismissal of the well-set Abdullah Fazal, but Shakeel and Rizwan briefly steadied the innings with a gritty partnership. Rana, however, turned the game decisively in Bangladesh’s favour. Once that stand was broken, the rest of the batting folded quickly as Bangladesh sealed a thoroughly deserved victory.
Set 268 for victory on the final day, Pakistan never looked settled in the chase. Taskin Ahmed struck early to remove Imam-ul-Haq for 2 before lunch, giving Bangladesh immediate control of the contest. Pakistan’s batting unit, which had already struggled for consistency in the match, failed to respond under pressure as the hosts tightened their grip through disciplined bowling.
Bangladesh had earlier declared their second innings at 240 for 9 after resuming Day 5 on 152 for 3 with an overall lead of 179. The hosts showed attacking intent from the outset, with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto leading the charge through a fluent 87.
After Mushfiqur Rahim fell early to Hasan Ali, Shanto steadied the innings and kept the scoreboard moving with seven boundaries in a commanding knock. The left-hander handled both pace and spin comfortably before Noman Ali trapped him lbw to end a crucial innings that pushed Bangladesh into a dominant position.
Mehidy Hasan chipped in with a brisk 24 to stretch the lead beyond 250, while Hasan Ali finished with figures of 3 for 52 after dismissing Taskin Ahmed late in the innings. Bangladesh’s positive approach ensured Pakistan were left with a difficult chase on a wearing surface.
The foundation for the victory was laid in the first innings when Bangladesh posted 413 and secured a 27-run lead after bowling Pakistan out for 386. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan starred with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul to put the visitors under pressure.
– Ends
