The Bangladesh cricket team delivered a historic performance in Test cricket, bringing a wave of joy back home amidst political turmoil. In a remarkable achievement, Bangladesh secured their first-ever Test victory against Pakistan. Previously, the two teams had faced off 13 times in the longest format, with Bangladesh suffering 12 defeats and managing just one draw. However, in the opening Test of the two-match series in Rawalpindi, Bangladesh achieved a milestone by clinching a 10-wicket win.
This triumph also marked the first time a visiting team defeated Pakistan by 10 wickets on home soil in Test cricket history.
The cricketing rivalry between Pakistan and Bangladesh began in 2001 during the Asian Test Championship, which also featured Sri Lanka. The Lankans emerged as champions of that tri-series. Pakistan and Bangladesh later faced off in a bilateral Test series in 2002, with Pakistan claiming a 2-0 victory.
On August 25, 2024, Bangladesh finally tasted success against Pakistan in the Test arena.
Bangladesh 🆚 Pakistan | 1st Test | Rawalpindi
Bangladesh won by 10 wickets 👏🇧🇩
PC: PCB#BCB #Cricket #BDCricket #Bangladesh #PAKvBAN #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/yqNmaQ6rsL— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) August 25, 2024
Despite a rain delay on Day 1, Pakistan started strong on a batting-friendly pitch. Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan both scored centuries, helping Pakistan post a total of 448 runs before captain Shan Masood declared the innings. In response, Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim (191) and Shadman Islam (93) led their side to a total of 565 runs.
With a 117-run lead in the first innings, Bangladesh entered the second innings with hope. On Day 5, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib al Hasan put immense pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup, taking 7 wickets between them as the hosts were bowled out for just 146 runs.
Bangladesh then quickly chased down the 30 runs needed for victory, with Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam remaining unbeaten, sealing a 10-wicket win. The moment was one for the history books.