In a surprising and historic moment for Bangladesh cricket, the team achieved its first-ever Test win against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The Bangla Tigers defeated the home team with a commanding 10-wicket victory, marking a significant achievement for Bangladesh and a low point for Pakistan cricket.
This remarkable win came after 13 unsuccessful attempts against Pakistan. Bangladesh’s bowlers showed great determination, taking 9 wickets on the final day of the match. This set up a small target of 30 runs for the Bangladesh batsmen, which they easily chased down in just 6.3 overs. This defeat is particularly painful for Pakistan as it not only marks their first Test loss to Bangladesh but also their lowest-ever Test score against them.
The Match Highlights: Pakistan’s Downfall and Bangladesh’s Determination
Choosing to bowl first, Bangladesh’s bowlers set the stage early by removing Pakistan’s top order, reducing them to 16 for 3 with crucial wickets of Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, and Babar Azam. Despite this rough start, Pakistan managed to stabilize with strong innings from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. Both players scored impressive centuries, and Rizwan came close to a double century. Eventually, Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood declared the innings at 448 for 6.
In response, Bangladesh showed strong resolve and patience. They built effective partnerships after each wicket fell, maintaining their momentum. Veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim played a key role, scoring a steady 191 runs off 341 balls. His efforts, along with important contributions from Shadman Islam (93) and Mehidy Hasan (77), helped Bangladesh reach a commanding total of 565, their highest against Pakistan and the third-highest in their Test history.
A Day to Remember: Pakistan’s Unexpected Collapse
As the final day of the match began, and with a few overs left on Day 4, no one expected the dramatic collapse that followed. On a flat, batting-friendly pitch, Pakistan was bowled out in just 56 overs, scoring only 146 runs. This downfall was led by the spin duo of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan, who together took seven wickets, highlighting Pakistan’s struggles against spin bowling.
The turning point of the match came early on Day 5 when Pakistan, starting at 23 for 1, quickly found themselves in serious trouble. By the time they reached 104, half of their team was already out. Bangladesh’s bowlers, inspired by aggressive strategies, exposed Pakistan’s weaknesses, leaving the home side struggling.
Shakib Al Hasan, despite some external challenges, showed his world-class skills by taking three key wickets. His performance was well-supported by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who took four wickets. Together, they dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, securing a memorable win for Bangladesh.
A Historic Moment: Bangladesh’s First Test Win Against Pakistan
This match will always be remembered as Bangladesh’s first Test win over Pakistan. The victory ends a long wait, during which Bangladesh lost 12 out of their 13 previous matches against Pakistan, with only one draw. With this win, Bangladesh has now defeated nine out of the eleven Test-playing nations they have faced, with only India and South Africa remaining unbeaten against them.
This win not only boosts Bangladesh’s reputation in Test cricket but also helps them move ahead of Pakistan in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 rankings. Bangladesh now stands higher with their second win in five games in this cycle. On the other hand, Pakistan’s position worsens as they drop to the eighth spot after their fourth loss in six games.
Bangladesh’s Test Wins Away from Home
Bangladesh’s win in Rawalpindi marks their seventh Test win away from home. Their previous away victories include successes in the Caribbean, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand. This win further establishes Bangladesh as a competitive team capable of achieving victories in foreign conditions.
As both teams get ready for their next match at the same venue starting on August 30, Bangladesh will be full of confidence, while Pakistan will need to reflect and regroup to avoid another defeat.
Bangladesh’s historic win over Pakistan is more than just a victory; it symbolizes their growth as a cricketing nation. This match will be remembered as a key moment that highlighted the strength and capability of the Bangla Tigers, leaving a lasting mark on the cricketing history of both teams.
