Bangladesh seals historic series win against Pakistan

Sports Reporter Published: 3 September 2024, 03:40 PM | Updated: 3 September 2024, 03:59 PM

Bangladesh's Mominul Haque (L) and Mushfiqur Rahim run between the wickets during the fifth and final day of the second and last Test cricket match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday – AFP Photo

Pakistan aimed to halt Bangladesh’s progress with a modest target of 184 runs in the second Test. Despite the determination of Pakistan’s bowlers and the resolve of their coach, Jason Gillespie, who vowed to fight until the last ball, Bangladesh's batters proved too resilient.

In a remarkable performance, Bangladesh secured a historic 6-wicket victory in Rawalpindi. This win not only delivered a whitewash over Pakistan but also marked Bangladesh's first-ever Test series win against the hosts. Earlier, Bangladesh had defeated Pakistan by a massive 10 wickets in the first Test.

This victory also represents Bangladesh’s third Test series win on foreign soil. The Tigers’ previous overseas successes include a series win in the West Indies in 2009 and a single Test victory against Zimbabwe in 2021.

Before this series, Bangladesh had played six series against Pakistan without a single win. They had lost 12 out of 13 matches played against Pakistan.

Starting the final day of the Rawalpindi Test with a score of 42 runs without loss, Bangladesh needed 143 runs to win. Openers Sadman Islam and Zakir Hasan added 16 runs before Zakir was dismissed for 40 runs off 39 balls. Sadman followed soon after, out for 24 runs off 51 balls, leaving Bangladesh at 70 for 2.

Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Muminul Haque then added 52 runs before Shanto was dismissed for 38 runs off 82 balls. Muminul was dismissed for 34 runs off 71 balls, leaving Bangladesh needing 30 runs for victory.

Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim completed the chase with unbeaten knocks of 21 and 22 runs, respectively, ensuring Bangladesh’s win.

Earlier, Pakistan was bowled out for 172 runs in their second innings by Hasan Mahmood and Nahid Rana, setting Bangladesh a target of 185 runs. Hasan Mahmood took his first five-wicket haul in Tests, while Nahid Rana claimed four wickets, and Taskin Ahmed took the remaining wicket.