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In a stunning upset, Bangladesh secured their maiden Test victory over Pakistan in the first match of the two-match series held in Rawalpindi. The victory, which came by a resounding 10 wickets, marked a humiliating defeat for Pakistan, who fell apart in their second innings on the final day of the match.
The match, which seemed poised for a draw, took a dramatic turn as Pakistan, after scoring a mammoth 448/6d in their first innings, were bowled out for a paltry 146 in their second innings. This collapse was orchestrated by the brilliant bowling of Bangladesh spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who exploited the weakness of the Pakistan batsmen. Bangladesh then chased down the 30-run target with ease, securing their first-ever Test win over Pakistan.
This defeat has added another embarrassing record to Pakistan's list. They became the first team to lose two consecutive Test matches at home at a venue despite scoring 400-plus totals in the first innings. Their previous defeat came in December 2022, against England, where they had scored 579 in the first innings but still lost the match. This pattern raises questions about Pakistan's ability to handle pressure situations and their overall strategy.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood defended the team's decision to play with all seamers, citing their anticipation of the pitch offering more assistance to fast bowlers. However, their strategy backfired, and their failure to adapt to the changing conditions ultimately cost them the match. The defeat highlights the importance of having a balanced bowling attack, especially in conditions that favor spin bowling.
The victory for Bangladesh is a testament to their resilience and determination. They showed great discipline and intent in their batting, particularly Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who both played crucial roles in setting up the win. This victory not only marks a significant milestone for Bangladesh but also sends a strong message to the rest of the cricketing world about their growing prowess.
The series will now move to Multan for the second Test, where Pakistan will be looking to bounce back from this crushing defeat. The pressure will be on them to regain their composure and find a winning formula. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will be aiming to capitalize on their momentum and secure a historic series win. This second Test promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams look to make their mark on the cricketing world.
Source: Pakistan become first team to own embarrassing record after maiden Test defeat to Bangladesh