Bangladesh clinched a thrilling final day victory over Pakistan in the first Test of the 2-match series in Rawalpindi on Sunday. This is a historical win for the visitors as it is their first-ever Test victory over Pakistan.
This landmark win came after 14 encounters with Pakistan, where the Tigers had suffered 12 defeats and managed just 1 draw. Following this victory, India and South Africa are now the only teams that Bangladesh is yet to defeat in Test cricket.
This victory also provided Bangladesh with a significant boost in the ICC World Test Championship standings, as they leapfrogged Pakistan and South Africa to the sixth spot, tied on point percentage with Sri Lanka. As a result of the loss, Pakistan slipped down to eighth place with a 30.56%-point percentage.
The match may have had a damp start due to only 41 overs being possible on the first day. Bangladesh got off to a strong start, clinching 4 early wickets.
Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel stepped up for Pakistan on Day 2, each scoring a century to rescue their team. Rizwan was especially brilliant with his unbeaten 171. The hosts would declare their innings on 448/6.
For Bangladesh, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shadnam Islam were the standout performers, making Pakistan toil in the field till much of Day 4. Rahim played a fabulous knock of 191 and Shadnam was dismissed just 7 runs shy of his century.
Starting Day 5 at 23/1, Pakistan crumbled, being bowled out for just 146, with only Rizwan offering resistance through a fighting half-century. Bangladesh’s spinners stole the show, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking four wickets and Shakib Al Hasan adding three more.
The Tigers needed just 30 runs for a historic win, which they achieved in under 7 overs without losing a wicket.
