Bangladesh secured a historic Test series victory against Pakistan, clinching the deciding second Test by six wickets at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium today. This win completed a 2-0 series sweep, marking Bangladesh’s first-ever series victory over Pakistan, and making them only the third Test nation after Zimbabwe and West Indies to fall to the Tigers in a series.
The triumph was hard-fought and dramatic, especially after Bangladesh’s first-innings collapse to 26-6. Displaying extraordinary resilience, the team turned the tables, eventually setting a target of 185 runs, which they chased down with six wickets remaining.
Senior players Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan were at the crease when Shakib hit the winning boundary, sealing the series victory. Mushfiqur, who played a heroic role in the first Test, remained unbeaten on 22, while Shakib was not out on 21.
The chase began on Day 5 with Bangladesh at 42 for no loss. Despite losing opener Zakir Hasan early, followed by Shadman Islam, the team held its nerve. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque then added a crucial 57-run partnership, before Shanto was dismissed for 38. Mominul followed with 34 runs, but by then, Bangladesh was well on its way to victory.
Liton Das was instrumental in this historic win, especially with his remarkable 138 runs in the first innings, where he and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (78) put on a record-breaking 165-run stand for the seventh wicket. Their partnership was the first in Test cricket’s history to exceed 150 runs after a team had lost six wickets for fewer than 50 runs.
In the second innings, Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Hasan Mahmud’s 5-43, dismantled Pakistan for just 172 runs, ensuring Bangladesh needed only 185 to win. Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed also contributed, with Rana taking 4-44.
This victory, a true team effort, brought immense joy to a nation that had faced hardships in recent months, and it will undoubtedly be remembered as one of Bangladesh cricket’s finest achievements.
