Bangladesh’s bowlers outclassed Pakistan to win the first Test in Dhaka by 104 runs. Nahid Rana delivered the key blows, supported by wickets from Taskin Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, as the home side secured a rare fifth-day success.
It is Bangladesh’s third straight victory over Pakistan, after the 2-0 series win in 2024.
Rana removed Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan in a fiery spell before taking the wickets of Noman Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi, finishing with 5 for 40 from 9.5 overs. Taskin and Taijul grabbed two wickets apiece, and Mehidy, who had a five-for in the first innings, picked up another wicket.
Debutant Abdullah Fazal held Pakistan together for much of the chase. After Imam-ul-Haq’s early departure before lunch, Fazal hit Mehidy for consecutive fours shortly after the break. Rana then went for three successive fours; Fazal edged twice through the slips and drove hard down the ground.
Mehidy soon struck back by bowling Azan Awais in the next over. Awais, who had scored a century in the first innings, was beaten by a ball that kept its line and slid into the stumps, departing for 15.
Pakistan opener Azan Awais, 21, hit a century on his Test debut as the tourists made 386 in reply, a deficit of 27 runs.
After significant rain interruptions on days three and four, the Tigers declared on 240-9 – Shanto (87) and Monimul (56) again starring – before lunch on the final day to try and set up a push for victory.
Abdullah Fazal made a defiant 66 but did not receive enough support as Pakistan failed to bat out the day for a draw, with Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam picking up two wickets each.
“Very happy,” said Tigers captain Shanto. “Proud of all the guys the way we played.
“We declared because we have a quality bowling attack and in these conditions Rana, Taskin, Taijul bowled really well and that’s what I want from them.”
The second and final Test starts in Sylhet on Saturday.