Bangladesh has secured a dominant 104-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test, powered by strong batting and a match-winning bowling performance.
Chasing 268 for victory, Pakistan were bowled out for 163 after a stunning bowling display by Bangladesh in the final innings today (May 12) at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with scores of 101 and 87 in the two innings, setting the tone for the victory. He was later named man of the match for his overall performance.
Fast bowler Nahid Rana produced a sensational spell on the final day, taking 5 wickets for 40 runs to destroy Pakistan’s chase. In a fiery burst, he dismissed key batters including Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and Noman Ali, shifting full control to Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s chase began with early trouble as Taskin Ahmed removed Imam-ul-Haq for just 2. Later, Mehidy Hasan Miraz broke a promising partnership and also took a five-wicket haul earlier in the match, continuing his strong all-round performance in the series.
Despite resistance from debutants Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal, Pakistan collapsed after tea as Bangladesh’s pace attack, supported by Taijul Islam’s spin, kept applying pressure. Taskin also contributed with two crucial wickets.
Bangladesh had earlier set a target of 268 after declaring their second innings at 240 for 9. Shanto’s aggressive 87 helped push the lead beyond Pakistan’s reach.
In the first innings, Bangladesh scored 413 and took a 27-run lead after bowling out Pakistan for 386. The win gives Bangladesh a strong start in the two-match series, with the second Test scheduled to begin in Sylhet.
