Bangladesh Secure Historic Series Sweep Over Pakistan

Historic Series Sweep: Bangladesh Triumphs Over Pakistan

Bangladesh’s top order made crucial contributions to secure a historic 2-0 series sweep against Pakistan in the Test series. Beginning Day 5 of the second Test in Rawalpindi at 42/0, Bangladesh was chasing a target of 185. They successfully reached the goal during the second session, with seasoned players Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan guiding the team across the finish line. This 2-0 victory marks Bangladesh’s second overseas series win in a two-match series, with their first triumph happening against the West Indies (2-0) in 2009. Additionally, it is Bangladesh’s first-ever Test series win against Pakistan.

Shadman Islam Sets the Tone for Victory

Shadman Islam began the final day confidently with a boundary off Mohammad Ali’s second delivery. Pakistan’s pacers also delivered accurate lines, keeping Bangladesh’s openers on edge. Despite some close calls, including a bottom edge off Zakir Hasan’s bat that went unnoticed by Pakistan, the openers extended their partnership beyond fifty runs. This was Bangladesh’s first fifty-plus opening stand since December 2022. Zakir contributed a well-crafted 40 before being bowled by Mir Hamza, who managed to beat the outside edge.

Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack kept Bangladesh’s run rate in check. Shadman found some relief after three consecutive maidens by sending a full delivery from Hamza to the boundary. He also survived a tough chance when Agha Salman, at second slip, missed a diving catch. Shadman continued with another boundary but eventually fell to Khurram Shahzad, attempting a drive and getting caught at mid-off.

Crucial Partnerships and Resilient Batting

Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque then built a vital partnership, keeping Bangladesh on course for victory. A couple of well-timed boundaries and some confident strokes reduced Bangladesh’s target to under 100. As their confidence grew, the duo capitalized on the aging ball, with Najmul even charging at Hamza to collect runs. The pair extended their partnership past fifty, taking Bangladesh to a manageable target of 63 runs by Lunch, with 80 runs scored in the first session from 27 overs.

As the second session began, Pakistan remained tight with Salman and Hamza bowling consecutive maidens. Najmul broke the deadlock with a reverse-swept boundary off Salman but was dismissed shortly after, ending a valuable 57-run stand for the third wicket. Mominul, however, continued to find the boundary, while Mushfiqur Rahim was busy accumulating singles and twos, bringing the target below 50. Mominul had a lucky break when an edge off his bat traveled through a vacant slip region for four.

Bangladesh’s Lower Order Seals the Win

Pakistan reviewed twice in Abrar Ahmed’s over, but Rahim survived both times thanks to technology. Even as dark clouds loomed overhead, Bangladesh reached 150 runs. Mominul, attempting to accelerate the scoring, eventually miscued a shot to mid-off, giving Abrar his first wicket of the match. Abrar posed early challenges to Shakib, but the experienced left-hander soon settled down, rotating the strike alongside Rahim.

As Bangladesh inched closer to victory, Abrar was twice warned for landing on the danger area of the pitch, and Shakib took advantage by hitting a six straight down the ground. Rahim followed suit with a top-edged pull that went for four, and Shakib sealed the win with a boundary off Abrar. The Bangladesh dressing room erupted in celebration as they secured a clinical victory.

Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz Lay the Foundation

The platform for Bangladesh’s win was set on Days 2 and 3, thanks to stellar performances by Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. After a rain-washed Day 1, Bangladesh opted to bowl first on Day 2, and Pakistan got off to a strong start with half-centuries from Shan Masood and Saim Ayub. However, Bangladesh struck back with regular wickets, and despite Agha Salman’s fifty, they restricted Pakistan to 274 in their first innings. Bangladesh’s response got off to a disastrous start, losing six wickets for just 26 runs as Shahzad ran through the batting lineup.

But Litton’s brilliant knock of 138, along with a 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Mehidy (78), helped Bangladesh recover and finish just 12 runs behind Pakistan’s total. On Day 4, Bangladesh’s bowlers shone, with Hasan Mahmud claiming his maiden five-wicket haul and Nahid Rana achieving career-best figures of 4 for 44, bowling Pakistan out for 172. Chasing 185, Bangladesh made a positive start on the final day, led by Zakir’s aggressive approach. Despite interruptions from bad light and rain, Bangladesh kept their focus and completed a memorable win.

Bangladesh Overcomes Challenges to Claim Historic Victory

Bangladesh’s top-order contributions, combined with strong performances from the middle order and bowlers, ensured they emerged victorious in this historic Test series. Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz played pivotal roles, while Hasan Mahmud’s outstanding bowling set the stage for Bangladesh’s triumph. The weather, which had threatened to disrupt play, eventually cooperated, allowing Bangladesh to script a famous victory that will be remembered for years to come.

Brief Scores:
Pakistan 274 (Saim Ayub 58, Shan Masood 57; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 5-61, Taskin Ahmed 3-57) & 172 (Agha Salman 47*, Mohammad Rizwan 43; Hasan Mahmud 5-43, Nahid Rana 4-44)
Bangladesh 262 (Litton Das 138, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 78; Khurram Shahzad 6-90, Agha Salman 2-13) & 185/4 (Zakir Hasan 40, Najmul Hossain Shanto 38; Agha Salman 1-17)
Bangladesh won by 6 wickets