Bangladesh secure historic home Test win over Pakistan

Bangladesh secured a historic 104-run victory over Pakistan in the opening Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday, thanks to a sensational bowling display from young pacer Nahid Rana.

The 23-year-old fast bowler produced the best spell of his Test career, claiming 5 wickets for 40 runs in just 9.5 overs. His devastating reverse swing in the final session dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup and guided Bangladesh to their first-ever home Test win against Pakistan and only their third Test victory overall against the visitors.

Chasing a target of 267, Pakistan were bowled out for 163 after collapsing dramatically in the final session. Nahid’s fiery spell included four wickets for just 10 runs in his final 4.5 overs. Spinner Taijul Islam and pacer Taskin Ahmed supported brilliantly with two wickets each.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also reached a significant milestone, equalling Mushfiqur Rahim’s national record of seven Test wins as captain. Shanto achieved the feat in only 17 Tests, compared to Mushfiqur’s 34 matches.

Earlier, Bangladesh declared their second innings at 240 for 9, with Shanto leading from the front again with a composed 87 off 150 balls after scoring a century in the first innings. Mominul Haque contributed an important 56.

Pakistan’s chase started poorly when Taskin dismissed Imam-ul-Haq before lunch. Although debutant Abdullah Fazal fought back with a determined 66 and Azan Awais scored 15, Bangladesh steadily tightened their grip on the match.

The decisive moment came after tea when Taijul removed Fazal using DRS before Taskin dismissed Salman Ali Agha. Nahid then unleashed a devastating spell, including a 147-kilometre-per-hour yorker that shattered Mohammad Rizwan’s stumps and effectively ended Pakistan’s hopes.

Bangladesh had earlier posted 413 in their first innings, powered by Shanto’s 101, Mominul’s 91, and Mushfiqur’s resilient 71. Pakistan replied with 386, despite a century from debutant Azan Awais, as Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed a five-wicket haul.

With the emphatic victory, Bangladesh now lead the two-match Test series 1-0 heading into the final match.