Bangladesh achieved a remarkable milestone on Sunday, securing their first-ever Test win against Pakistan, marking their maiden victory in 14 matches played against the Green-shirts. The historic win came at the Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi, where Bangladesh outclassed Pakistan by 10 wickets, leaving an indelible mark on their cricketing history.
This victory was Bangladesh’s 20th overall in 143 Tests. For Pakistan, the defeat was a hard pill to swallow, especially after they were trailing by 117 runs in the first innings and entered the final day needing 94 runs to erase the deficit. Despite their efforts, Pakistan’s innings folded at 146, 93 minutes into the second session, setting Bangladesh a mere 30-run target, which they achieved without losing a wicket.
This win not only marked Bangladesh’s first Test victory over Pakistan but also buried the ghost of their one-wicket loss at the Multan Cricket Stadium 21 years ago, when Inzamam-ul-Haq’s brilliant 138 not out snatched victory from Bangladesh’s grasp. Pakistan’s dominance over Bangladesh in the past had seen them winning 12 Tests, including six by an innings margin.
In this match, Pakistan declared their first innings at 448 for six, their second-highest first innings total in a losing cause after declaring. Bangladesh responded with a massive 565, securing a crucial 117-run lead. Mushfiqur Rahim’s gallant 191 was the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s total, earning him the Player of the Match award. Contributions from Shadman Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, and Mominul Haque further solidified Bangladesh’s commanding position.
Pakistan’s defeat extended their winless streak at home to nine Tests, their last victory dating back to February 2021 against South Africa in Rawalpindi. Since then, they’ve drawn two Tests and lost one to Australia, suffered a clean sweep against England, and drew both Tests against New Zealand.
The victory was engineered by Bangladesh’s spin duo, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan, who claimed seven wickets between them, while the pace trio of Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana picked up one wicket each. Mehidy’s exceptional figures of 11.5-2-21-4 and Shakib’s 17-3-44-3 proved too much for Pakistan’s batters to handle.
Pakistan’s top order crumbled under pressure, with notable failures from key players. Mohammad Rizwan’s 51 was the only significant contribution in the second innings, but his dismissal, followed by a collapse of the lower order, sealed Pakistan’s fate.
This victory was Bangladesh’s second win outside their home in the ICC World Test Championship, with their first being against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The defeat has significantly dented Pakistan’s chances of reaching the ICC World Test Championship final in July 2025, though they still have eight Tests (six at home) in hand.
After the match, Pakistan’s Test skipper Shan Masood acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, particularly their inability to capitalize on the second new ball and their failure to take advantage of early breakthroughs. He expressed disappointment but remained hopeful for a better performance in the second Test, scheduled to begin on August 30 at the same venue.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto praised his team’s disciplined batting and effective bowling. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and expressed confidence ahead of the second Test.
This historic victory has undoubtedly boosted Bangladesh’s morale, providing a glimmer of joy for their fans and setting the stage for an exciting second Test.
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