Bangladesh secured a momentous 2-0 series sweep against Pakistan, clinching the second Test by six wickets in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. This victory marks Bangladesh’s first-ever series win over Pakistan in Test cricket, solidifying their growing stature on the international stage.
Chasing a modest target of 185 runs on the fifth and final day, Bangladesh methodically inched towards victory, reaching the goal with more than a session to spare. Contributions from Zakir Hasan (40), Najmul Hossain Shanto (38), and Mominul Haq (34) anchored the chase, ensuring the visitors crossed the finish line with relative ease.
Resuming the day at 42-0, Bangladesh lost Zakir Hasan early when he was bowled by Mir Hamza. Fellow pacer Khurram Shahzad added to Pakistan’s hopes by dismissing Shadman Islam shortly thereafter. However, the visitors remained unfazed by these setbacks, with Shanto and Mominul Haq steadying the innings. Their partnership of 50 runs before lunch effectively ended any hopes of a Pakistani comeback.
Though both Shanto and Mominul were dismissed in the post-lunch session, experienced campaigners Mushfiqur Rahim (22*) and Shakib Al Hasan (21*) guided Bangladesh to victory without further drama. Shakib sealed the win in style, driving spinner Abrar Ahmed through the covers for a boundary.
This series sweep is a historic achievement for Bangladesh, who previously had never won a Test series against Pakistan. The victory is only their third away series win in Test cricket, following successes against the West Indies in 2009 and Zimbabwe in 2021.
The foundation for Bangladesh’s triumph was laid on the fourth day, when Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Islam produced career-best bowling performances, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup. Hasan claimed 5-43 while Nahid took 4-44, as Pakistan was bowled out for 172 in their second innings, setting a modest target of 185 for Bangladesh.
The match, which was marred by rain and bad light on the first day, saw a remarkable turnaround by Bangladesh after they were reduced to 26-6 in response to Pakistan’s first-innings total of 274. A gritty seventh-wicket stand between Liton Das (138) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (78) rescued the visitors, allowing them to post a competitive 262.
Pakistan’s batting woes continued into their second innings, where they collapsed to 172 all out, unable to withstand Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack. The hosts struggled to build partnerships, with Nahid Islam’s incisive spell before lunch on the fourth day, where he took three key wickets, proving crucial.