Bangladesh secured a remarkable 104-run win over Pakistan in the first Test at Mirpur, thanks to Nahid Rana’s exceptional fast bowling performance. This victory marked Bangladesh’s third consecutive win against Pakistan, a significant achievement considering they had never beaten Pakistan in Tests before 2024. Rana’s impressive figures of 5 for 40 played a crucial role in dismissing Pakistan for 163 while defending a target of 268.
The match witnessed tense moments as Pakistan, needing 152 runs with seven wickets in hand, fought hard in the final session. Debutant Abdullah Fazal’s resilient 66, supported by a vital 48-run partnership with Salman Ali Agha, kept Pakistan’s hopes alive. However, a breakthrough by veteran spinner Taijul Islam, trapping Fazal leg-before, shifted the momentum in Bangladesh’s favor.
Despite Pakistan’s resistance, Bangladesh’s bowlers, including Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam, dominated the latter stages of the game. Rana’s crucial breakthroughs, including dismissing key batsmen like Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, sealed the victory for Bangladesh. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s contribution with a fluent 87 in the second innings also played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s triumph.
Bangladesh’s strong performance, led by Nahid Rana’s pace and Taijul Islam’s accuracy, resulted in a memorable win, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series against Pakistan.
