Bangladesh Crush Pakistan by 104 Runs in Mirpur Test

Bangladesh national cricket team registered a dominant 104-run victory over Pakistan national cricket team in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 268, Pakistan resumed the final session at 116-3 but collapsed for just 163 in 52.5 overs, thanks to a sensational five-wicket haul from Nahid Rana.

Pakistan’s innings got off to a poor start when Taskin Ahmed dismissed Imam-ul-Haq for only two runs in the very first over. Youngsters Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal attempted to rebuild the innings with a steady 50-run partnership before Azan fell for 15 after being trapped by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Pakistan’s problems deepened when captain Shan Masood was removed cheaply by Nahid Rana. Abdullah Fazal fought hard with an impressive 66 off 113 balls, striking 11 boundaries, while Salman Ali Agha added 26, but regular wickets kept Pakistan under pressure.

Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel tried to revive the chase with a brief partnership, taking the total beyond 150. However, Nahid Rana returned to break the stand, dismissing Saud for 15 before clean bowling Rizwan shortly after.

Pakistan’s lower order offered little resistance as Taijul Islam and Nahid Rana wrapped up the innings quickly. Rana finished with outstanding figures of 5-40, while Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed claimed two wickets each.

Earlier, Bangladesh declared their second innings at 240-9 after resuming day five at 152-3. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto once again led from the front with a composed 87 off 150 deliveries, while Mominul Haque contributed a solid 56.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mushfiqur Rahim chipped in with valuable runs before Bangladesh set Pakistan a challenging target of 268.

In Bangladesh’s first innings, the hosts posted 413 after recovering from 31-2 through a crucial 170-run stand between Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto. Shanto scored a brilliant 101, while Mominul narrowly missed a century with 91. Mushfiqur Rahim added 71 runs.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas starred with the ball, taking 5-92.

Pakistan replied with 386, conceding a 27-run deficit. Debutant Azan Awais impressed with a superb century, scoring 103, while Abdullah Fazal made 60. Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan also scored half-centuries.

Despite the fightback, Bangladesh’s bowlers dominated the final innings to secure a memorable Test victory and take a 1-0 lead in the series.