Tigers create history as they defeat Pakistan for the first time in Tests

Bangladesh won the first Test on Day 5 against Pakistan by 10 wickets in Rawalpindi to create history on Sunday.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto had a birthday to remember with this victory after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first.

As Pakistan prepared for the Rawalpindi Test, much discussion revolved around the potential of their pace attack.

The squad boasted six pace bowlers, but they opted for a pace-heavy lineup in the absence of spinners. Despite this setup, the pace bowlers in Rawalpindi turned out to be spectators as the match unfolded.

Pakistan's batsmen showed they were capable, but in response, Bangladesh's batsmen piled up an imposing total. When it was time for the second innings, Bangladesh's spinners took full advantage of the conditions, claiming wickets at regular intervals. Pakistan's pace bowlers, despite the batting-friendly pitch, had little impact. Bangladesh secured a historic 10-wicket victory in Rawalpindi, demonstrating a well-coordinated team effort.

With only 30 runs needed for victory in the second innings, Bangladesh's openers completed the chase with ease. This victory was not only Bangladesh's first Test win against Pakistan but also their first on Pakistani soil. It marked their seventh Test win abroad, an impressive achievement given their previous record of 20 consecutive losses in Pakistan.

Before the series, this Bangladesh team was considered an underdog, largely unnoticed in discussions. Yet, they overcame the full-strength Pakistani team on their own turf, delivering a comprehensive performance.

The win was the result of solid teamwork rather than individual brilliance. On the first day, Pakistan's pace bowlers utilised the damp pitch to take three wickets for just 16 runs. Over the following days, Pakistan's batsmen capitalised on the favourable conditions. However, as the pitch deteriorated, Bangladesh's spinners, Shakib and Miraz, exploited the conditions to great effect.

Bangladesh's fielding, despite a missed opportunity by Liton Das, was generally commendable. Liton excelled throughout the match, contributing to six dismissals across both innings. The team's collective effort was evident, with every player playing a significant role.

In the last three years, Bangladesh's bowlers have had their best average in second innings, taking wickets at a rate of 22 per dismissal. This standard was matched and even surpassed in Rawalpindi. Pakistan finished the fourth day with 23 runs for the loss of one wicket, needing 94 runs to force Bangladesh to bat again. Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood were at the crease when Hasan Mahmud took Masood's wicket early on.

However, Liton Das missed a crucial chance to dismiss Babar Azam, who had been out for a duck in the first innings. Babar, given a second chance, made only 22 runs before being bowled by Nahid Rana. 

Pakistan's hopes now rested on Saud Shakeel, but he was stumped by Shakib after leaving his crease, marking his first duck in Test cricket despite a stellar 141 in the first innings. Pakistan's score of 67 for 4 saw them trying to stage a comeback with Rizwan and Shafique adding 37 runs in 36 balls. Rizwan, despite a valiant effort, fell to a catch at backward point off Shakib's bowling. Miraz then removed Agha Salman in the next over.

Rizwan's half-century was too little to alter the outcome. He was eventually bowled out for 51 by Miraz, and the final wicket was just a matter of time. Miraz dismissed Pakistan's last batsman, Mohammad Ali, with an lbw decision, and Pakistan was all out for 146— their lowest total against Bangladesh in Test cricket.
 

Brief scores on the fifth day of the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Sunday:

Pakistan first innings 448-6 declared (Mohammad Rizwan 171 not out, Saud Shakeel 141, Saim Ayub 56; Hasan Mahmud 2-70, Shoriful Islam 2-77)

Bangladesh first innings 565 (Mushfiqur Rahim 191, Shadman Islam 93, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 77, Liton Das 56, Mominul Haque 50, Naseem Shah 3-93, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-88, Mohammad Ali 2-88, Khurram Shahzad 2-90)

Pakistan 2nd innings 146 (Mohammad Rizwan 51; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 4-21, Shakib Al Hasan 3-44)

Bangladesh second innings 30-0

Result: Bangladesh won by 10 wickets

Player of the match: Mushfiqur Rahim (BAN)

Second Test: August 30-September 3