Bangladesh Defeat Pakistan by 104 Runs: Historic First Test Victory in Dhaka

DHAKA: In a historic turn of events at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 104 runs in the opening Test, marking their first-ever triumph against the visitors in the format on home soil.

Day 5 began with the match on a knife-edge. Bangladesh, resuming their second innings at 181 for 6, looked to extend their lead under grey, overcast skies that had threatened to derail the contest earlier in the week. The morning session belonged to the composure of Najmul Hossain Shanto. The skipper, falling just short of a second century in the match, played a quintessential leader’s knock of 87. 

Alongside the evergreen Mominul Haque, who earlier in the match became the 3rd Bangladeshi to reach the 5,000 Test run milestone, Shanto navigated a probing spell from Pakistan’s seamers. In a move of tactical aggression that would define the day, Shanto declared the innings at 240 for 9 shortly before lunch, setting Pakistan a challenging target of 268 runs in approximately 65 overs. 

Bangladeshi Bowlers Got the Momentum

It was a gamble that invited both a Pakistani pursuit and the risk of a draw, but the Dhaka surface, beginning to show uneven bounce and widening cracks, favored the bold. Pakistan’s chase began with characteristic instability. The opening pair, Imam-ul-haq and Azan Awais, struggled to cope with the new ball under the lights, which had been switched on early due to the murky conditions. Bangladesh’s seamers, led by a relentless Taskin Ahmed, struck early, removing the top order before the spinners could even be introduced.

The middle order offered a brief glimmer of hope for the visitors. Abdullah Fazal, who had already impressed with a half-century in the first innings, stood tall once again. His gritty 66 was a masterclass in back-foot punch shots and defiant leafing. However, the introduction of spin proved to be Pakistan’s undoing. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, finding a significant turn from the pavilion end, dismantled the resistance.

The collapse was swift and clinical. From 120 for 4, Pakistan slumped to 163 all out as the Dhaka crowd reached a fever pitch. The final wicket fell as Nahid Rana trapped Shaheen Shah Afridi, sparking jubilant celebrations across the capital.

Nahid Rana was standout bowler of the day with 5/40. 

For Bangladesh, the win is more than just a 1-0 lead in the series; it is a psychological breakthrough. For Pakistan, the defeat highlights a fragile batting lineup that failed to capitalize on Azan Awais’s brilliant debut century from the first innings. 

As the teams head into the second Test, the momentum resides firmly with the Tigers.

Player of the match: Najmul Hossain Shanto (101, 87)