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In a monumental upset that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Bangladesh achieved a historic first-ever Test victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, winning the opening match of the two-Test series by a resounding 10 wickets at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This triumph marked Bangladesh’s 14th attempt against Pakistan in Test cricket, and it was a testament to their unwavering determination and the growing strength of their team. The victory not only secured a 1-0 lead in the series but also propelled Bangladesh to a joint fifth position in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table, while Pakistan, unfortunately, tumbled to the penultimate spot after experiencing defeats in all four Tests under captain Shan Masood's leadership.
Bangladesh’s success was built on a strong foundation laid by a collective effort across all aspects of the game. In the first innings, Bangladesh amassed a significant total of 400 runs, with Mushfiqur Rahim leading the charge with a remarkable 191-run knock, showcasing his experience and resilience at the crease. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also played a crucial role, contributing a valuable 77 runs and picking up five wickets in the match, demonstrating his all-round abilities. Other notable contributions came from Shadman Islam (93 runs), Mominul Haque (50 runs), and Litton Das (56 runs).
The turning point of the match came in the second innings, where Bangladesh’s spin attack completely outmaneuvered the Pakistani batsmen. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the man of the match, claimed four crucial wickets for just 21 runs in 11.5 overs, effectively stifling Pakistan’s momentum. Shakib Al Hasan also played a key role, dismissing three Pakistani batsmen and conceding only 44 runs in his 17 overs. Pakistan, ultimately, crumbled for 146 runs, giving Bangladesh a target of just 30 runs in the second innings.
The Bangladesh team, brimming with confidence, showcased their clinical finishing ability in the final session of the match, chasing down the target in just 6.3 overs without losing a single wicket. This victory stands as a testament to the remarkable progress Bangladesh has made in Test cricket in recent years. It is a moment of pride for the nation and a significant stepping stone for their continued growth in the international cricketing arena.
The second Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan will be played at the same venue, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, starting on Friday, August 30. With the series finely poised at 1-0 in favor of Bangladesh, it will be a thrilling contest that promises to be another nail-biting encounter.
Source: Historic Upset! Bangladesh Crush Pakistan for Their First-Ever Test Victory Over Arch-Rivals