In a historic turn of events, Bangladesh secured their first-ever Test victory against Pakistan, defeating the home side by five wickets in Rawalpindi. This victory marks a significant milestone for Bangladesh, as they had never previously beaten Pakistan in the 13 Test matches they had played since 2001.
Match Summary
Pakistan, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, put up a formidable score of 448/6 declared in their first innings. Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel contributed significantly, but the real challenge came in the second innings. Despite the strong start, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered, managing only 146 runs. Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, exploited the small cracks on the pitch, which became more responsive to spin as the match progressed.
Turning Point
The pivotal moment came on the final day when Bangladesh’s bowlers, with relentless precision, claimed five wickets in the first session. Mushfiqur Rahim’s remarkable 191 runs in Bangladesh’s first innings had already set the stage, giving them a psychological edge. Pakistan, reeling at 65/2, witnessed a collapse as key players like Babar Azam (22) and Shan Masood (14) fell cheaply. Shakib Al Hasan’s dismissal of Saud Shakeel for a duck and Abdullah Shafique for 37 left Pakistan struggling.
Pitch Conditions and Pakistan’s Struggles
The Rawalpindi pitch, traditionally known for being a batting-friendly surface, did not offer much assistance to Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly on the fourth day when the conditions were extremely challenging due to the heat. Pakistan’s pace spearhead, Naseem Shah, expressed his frustration with the placid nature of the pitch, emphasizing the need for better home advantage in future matches.
Bangladesh’s bowlers, however, made the most of the deteriorating pitch conditions on the final day, ensuring that the target of 29 runs set by Pakistan was easily chased down, handing Pakistan their first Test defeat at home since 2021.
This defeat has sparked discussions about the future strategy for Pakistan in Test cricket, particularly regarding pitch preparation to ensure home advantage.
Bangladesh’s triumph in Rawalpindi will be remembered as a watershed moment in their cricketing history. For Pakistan, this loss will serve as a wake-up call to reassess their strategies in both batting and bowling, especially in home conditions.
