Bangladesh Makes History: A Memorable Series Victory Over Pakistan

After 14 meetings in Test cricket, Bangladesh have finally defeated Pakistan in red-ball cricket during the first match of a 3-match test series. However, one win wasn’t enough. The Bangla Tigers created another piece of history by securing a series victory against Pakistan in Pakistan.

On August 25th, Bangladesh made history by securing a landmark Test victory against Pakistan at Rawalpindi. Mushfiqur Rahim led the charge with a remarkable innings, falling just nine runs short of a double century, while Mehidy Hasan's five-wicket haul sealed the deal for the Bangla Tigers in their first-ever red-ball triumph over Pakistan. But if you thought one win in Rawalpindi was a monumental achievement for Bangladesh cricket, think again. The Tigers have gone a step further, clinching a memorable series victory by winning the second Test as well. 

Bangladesh’s captain Najmal Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bowl first in the 2nd test at Rawalpindi. The Bangla Tigers got off to a perfect start, as Taskin Ahmed perfect deliver sent Abdullah Shafique back to the dressing room in the very first over of the match. The Pakistan opener did even open his account after facing six balls. However, Siam Ayub and Pakistan captain Shan Masood’s 107-run partnership stabilized the Pak innings. But Mehidy Hasan Mirza was the star with the ball, tearing through the Pakistan lineup with a brilliant five-wicket haul that left them reeling and bowled out for just 274 runs in their first innings. Taskin Ahmed played the perfect supporting role, chipping in with three crucial wickets to keep the pressure firmly on the hosts. 

Bangladesh were firmly in the driver’s seat. However, a stellar bowling effort from Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza caused havoc to the Bangladeshi batting order. The visitors lost six wickets with just 26 runs on the board. It was looking like Pakistan would romp to a remarkable win and level the series. But Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan had other ideas. The duo put on a sensational display of grit and determination, which gave Bangladesh a fighting chance to win the match. When Mehidy Hasan got out for 78 runs in 51st over, Bangladesh scorecard read 191-7. Hasan and Das had put on 165-run partnership, which brought back the Bangla Tigers into the game. 

Despite Hasan’s dismissal, Bangladesh still had the opportunity to overcome Pakistan’s 1st innings score as Litton Das was still on the crease. Das and Hasan Mahmud put on a 69-run 9th-wicket partnership, which took Bangladesh’s total to 262 runs. However, after an impressive innings in which he scored 138 runs, Litton Das was dismissed by Agha Salman. The Bangla Tigers were dismissed for 262 runs in the 1st innings, as Pakistan held a narrow 8-run lead at the halfway mark. However, Pakistan batting order capitulated in the 3rd innings, as the Bangladeshi bowling attacked bowled them out for just 172 runs. Hasan Mahmud grabbed 5 wickets, while Taskin Ahmed (4) and Nahid Rana (1) took the rest of the spoils.  

Pakistan’s 3rd innings collapse meant that Bangladesh needed just 185 runs to seal a famous series win in Pakistan. However, Bangladesh got off to a tricky start, as openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam were dismissed with just 70 runs on the scoreboard. But captain Najmal Shanto and Mominul Haque steadied the ship, stitching together a crucial 57-run partnership that calmed the nerves and put Bangladesh in a strong position. Just when it seemed like the Tigers were cruising to victory, two quick wickets added a touch of drama to the match. In the end, it was the experienced duo of Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan who guided Bangladesh across the finish line, securing a landmark Test series win that will be remembered for years to come.  

Currently, Bangladesh holds the fourth position in the ICC World Test Championship, while Pakistan has dropped to the eighth position in the WTC points table. India is still on top of the WTC points table.