By Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI: Bangladesh’s spinners wreaked havoc on a crumbling Pakistan batting lineup to secure a historic 10-wicket victory in the first Test, their maiden win in five-day cricket against their opponents.
Bangladesh’s spin duo of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan dominated Pakistan’s batting lineup, sharing seven wickets to dismiss the host for a paltry 146 in 55.5 overs on the fifth day, setting up a modest target of 30 runs.
Openers Zakir Hasan (15) and Shadman Islam (9) knocked off the runs in 6.3 overs to seal a comprehensive win.
“We are paying tribute to the individuals who recently passed away in our nation during the protest and praying for their souls,” said Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, dedicating the win to those killed in recent political turmoil.
“Thanks Almighty for the win. It was very special to win on my special day,” added Shanto, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Sunday.
Mehidy (4-21) and Shakib (3-44) orchestrated a dramatic Pakistan collapse on the final day. The duo exploited small cracks on the pitch, which had remained unresponsive until the final day.
Pakistan dominate the first innings, declaring at 448-6. Bangladesh responded with 565, their highest against Pakistan in Tests, setting up a thrilling finale.
Pakistan’s batting woes continued from overnight 23-1, with star batsmen Babar Azam and skipper Shan Masood failing to make an impact. Azam was bowled by an inside edge off Nahid Rana for 22, while Masood fell to pace bowler Hasan Mahmud in the second over.
Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 51, but the home team’s batting crumbled on a pitch that showed signs of wear on the final day.
Agha Salman fell for a duck, and Mehidy removed Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah cheaply.
“The match didn’t play the way we thought it would. There were other factors in the game, we lost half a day on the first day [due to rain],” a disappointed Pakistan skipper Shan Masood said in a post match interview. “We have to look upon the mistakes we made collectively and work on them.”
Masood said the hosts “expected the pitch to do more”. I thought with three fast bowlers, we would push them to the limit,” he added. “The cracks have opened up in last night’s session. We have to do better whenever we play next.”
The victory marks a significant milestone for Bangladesh, who have now secured Test wins over Australia, England, and Pakistan. The win is only their sixth in 143 Tests.
Pakistan slumped to eighth in the nine-team World Test Championship (WTC) table, while Bangladesh climbed to sixth.
The second and final Test will be played at Rawalpindi from Friday.
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