Bangladesh clinch historic Test Victory over Pakistan

DE Online Desk

When it mattered most, the Tigers roared collectively to complete the most decorated victory in their Test history when they sealed a perfect 10-wicket win over Pakistan in the two-match series-opening game at Rawalpindi on Sunday.

It was their first Test victory against Pakistan in the 14th attempt. Before this Test, Bangladesh lost 12, most of which by an innings margin, and drew one game.

The maiden Test victory over Pakistan was some solace for the nation which was going through a difficult time in the last two months firstly due to political unrest and then a severe flood that affected badly in various parts of the country.

On Day 5, what was the final day of the Test, the Tigers turned the table emphatically as the Test was heading to a draw on a pitch that was mostly unresponsive for the bowlers.

But, Bangladesh’s spinners showed why they were rated highly even in a pitch, conducive to the bowlers. And left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan, who just a couple of days ago was charged with an alleged murder case, rose to the occasion to an uncanny degree.

Offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a perfect foil to him to further wreak havoc on Pakistan. Miraz ended with 4-21 while Shakib finished with 3-44, his breakthrough at a crucial moment proved to be decisive.

The duo’s carnage wrapped Pakistan’s second innings up for just 146, which meant they could set only a 30-run target for Bangladesh.

Openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam completed the inevitable in just 6.3 overs, reaching 30 for no lone with the former paddle sweeping Agha Salman for a boundary to sign off the game fittingly.

Zakir hit three boundaries for his 15 off 26 while Shadman who made 93 in the first innings was on 9.

After Mushfiqur Rahim’s epic 191, which helped the side post 565, their highest Test total against Pakistan, and earn a 117 lead on Day 4, Bangladesh was the only side to win the game.

But as the pitch was mostly unresponsive, the Test is believed to head toward draw. However, Shakib thought other way. When Pakistan resumed, the day at 23-1, Bangladesh got the first breakthrough through pacer Hasan Mahmud who dismissed Pakistan captain Shan Masood for 14 in just the third over of the day.

But, Bangladesh’s spinners showed why they were rated highly even in a pitch, conducive to the bowlers. And left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan, who just a couple of days ago was charged with an alleged murder case, rose to the occasion to an uncanny degree.