Bangladesh outclass Pakistan and boost WTC27 push

A perfect final day from Bangladesh saw them pick up all 10 Pakistan wickets to complete a famous victory in Mirpur. This was their first-ever win over Pakistan at home.

The victory sees Bangladesh climb to sixth in the ICC World Test Championship standings. The Tigers move past Pakistan and England to reach sixth place with a points percentage of 44.44.

Meanwhile, Pakistan slip from fifth to seventh. With two losses and one victory from their first three matches of the cycle, they now sit on a points percentage of 33.33, ahead of England and the West Indies.

After setting a target of 268, Bangladesh’s bowlers dismantled the Pakistan batting lineup for just 163, sealing a commanding 104-run win.

Speaking after the win, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto lauded his team.

"Very happy. Proud of all the guys, the way we played. We have been working hard the last few months. Really happy the way we played. Great experience and feeling very proud the way we played.

"Slowly we are getting better at Test cricket and that's one thing we have always wanted to do.” 

Bangladesh remained the superior side across all five days, consistently maintaining a slender edge over Pakistan in Mirpur. After being put in to bat first, Bangladesh ended Day 1 in a commanding position at 301/4, led by a century from skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and a brilliant 91 from Mominul Haque.

Their total eventually crossed the 400-run mark on Day 2, finishing at 413 thanks to valuable middle-order contributions, including Mushfiqur Rahim’s knock of 71. Mohammad Abbas was the pick of the bowlers, claiming the fifth five-wicket haul of his Test career.

In response, Pakistan started strongly, with Azan Awais notching up a century on debut. The youngster was well supported by Imam-ul-Haq (45) and Abdullah Fazal (60). Composed knocks from Salman Ali Agha (58) and Mohammad Rizwan (59) further helped reduce the deficit, but a brilliant five-wicket haul from Mehidy Hasan Miraz saw Bangladesh bowl Pakistan out for 386, maintaining a 27-run lead.

Bangladesh then quickly extended their advantage, with Najmul Hossain Shanto (87) and Mominul Haque (56) once again leading the batting effort. Bangladesh raced to 240 in 70.3 overs before declaring, setting Pakistan a target of 268.

With slightly more than two sessions remaining, Bangladesh bowlers had the task of sealing an important victory. They delivered in a stunning fashion, bowling out Pakistan for just 163 to secure a memorable 104-run win for Bangladesh.

Nahid Rana was the star with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul to guide Bangladesh to victory. 

The second Test between the two sides will be played on 16 May at Sylhet.