Bangladesh cricket team made history with a 2-0 series win over Pakistan, clinching victory by six wickets on the fifth day at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Chasing 185, crucial contributions came from Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, and veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan. This win marked Bangladesh’s third-highest successful Test chase and only their fourth overseas Test win in seven years. Pakistan cricket team‘s struggles at home continued, extending their winless streak to ten Tests. Despite some resistance, Bangladesh’s calm approach sealed a significant victory.
This victory is particularly significant for Bangladesh, as overseas Test wins are rare. This was only their fourth win in 20 overseas Tests over the past seven years and just their third overseas Test series win ever.
For Pakistan, the loss was another blow, extending their winless streak at home to ten Tests. Since their last home victory in February 2021 against South Africa, they have recorded four draws and six defeats, including series losses to Australia, England, and now Bangladesh.
As the match entered its final stages, Bangladesh required 63 runs with eight wickets in hand. Najmul Hossain Shanto attempted some aggressive strokes but fell to a soft dismissal, leaving Mominul Haque to anchor the innings. Despite some aggressive shots, Mominul eventually mistimed a delivery, but Mushfiqur and Shakib ensured there were no further hiccups. They carefully inched towards the target, with Shakib sealing the win with a straight six and a boundary. This victory also moved Bangladesh up to fourth place in the World Test Championship standings.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh resumed at 42 for no loss, with Shadman Islam starting positively. However, Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the first 45 minutes, creating opportunities that went unclaimed. Zakir Hasan was eventually dismissed by Mir Hamza, who consistently bowled a challenging line. Pakistan’s bowlers continued to apply pressure, but Bangladesh’s batters managed to survive, with Shanto and Mominul taking their team to lunch without further loss.
Although Pakistan managed to take a couple of wickets after the break, they didn’t have enough runs to defend, and Bangladesh calmly completed the chase in front of a sparse home crowd. This historic win further underscores Bangladesh’s growth in Test cricket, especially in challenging overseas conditions.
