Bangladesh clinched their first Test series win against Pakistan with a victory in Rawalpindi, taking the tour 2-0.
Bangladesh’s cricket team achieved a historic 2-0 Test series win against Pakistan by securing a six-wicket victory in the second and final match of the tour.
Set a target of 185 in Rawalpindi, Bangladesh chased it down in the afternoon session of the final day on Tuesday. This followed their 10-wicket win in the first Test at the same venue, which was Bangladesh’s first Test victory against Pakistan.
Zakir Hasan scored 40 off just 39 balls at the start of the innings during Bangladesh’s successful chase, making a Pakistani comeback unlikely. The 26-year-old hit three fours and two sixes, contributing to an opening partnership of 58 with Shadman Islam.
The match ended fittingly with a cover drive from Shakib Al Hasan off Abrar Ahmed. Shakib, along with Mushfiqur Rahim, added an unbeaten 32 runs for the fifth wicket, easing any tension after Mominul Haque was dismissed with the score at 153-4.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his joy: “It means a lot, can’t express it in words. We’re really happy. We came here aiming to win, and everyone did their part. Very happy.”
Bangladesh’s first innings was saved by Litton Das, who scored 136 in a 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Mehidy Hasan Miraz. This came after Bangladesh had fallen to 26-6 in response to the hosts’ 274. Mehidy also contributed with 78 runs, following his five-wicket haul with the ball.
Pakistan, who had three batters score half-centuries in their first innings, were dismissed for 172 in their second innings, as their batting issues from the first match resurfaced. Hasan Mahmud led the attack with 5-43, while Nahid Rana took 4-44.
Wicketkeeper Litton Das, reflecting on the match after his crucial innings, said, “It’s a huge achievement for the Bangladesh cricket team. I’m proud to be part of it. When Miraz and I were batting, the credit really goes to Miraz. His 20-ball innings, where he hit five or six fours, made the game easier for us.”
