Bangladesh Outclass Pakistan After Calling Their Shot

Bangladesh sealed a commanding 104-run victory over Pakistan in the opening Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, producing a performance that looked carefully planned from start to finish.

Set a target of 268 on the final day, Pakistan were bowled out for 163 as Bangladesh’s pace and spin attack tore through the batting lineup. The hosts combined raw speed, disciplined bowling, and sharp captaincy to dominate the decisive sessions.

The defining image of the day came when Nahid Rana delivered a fiery 147 kph ball that crashed into Mohammad Rizwan’s stumps. Rizwan misjudged the line completely, lifting his bat as the delivery darted back in and shattered the wicket, sending the Mirpur crowd into celebration.

That moment summed up Pakistan’s innings. Bangladesh’s bowlers attacked relentlessly, using every available weapon to defend the target. Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana led the pace assault, while spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam exploited the wearing fifth-day surface brilliantly.

Bangladesh’s approach on the final morning was clear. Their goal was to extend the lead beyond 260 while leaving enough overs to bowl Pakistan out. They achieved exactly that, declaring on 240 for 9 after adding quick runs in the first session.

Captain Najmul Hossain narrowly missed a second century of the match after falling for 87 attempting an aggressive reverse sweep against Noman Ali. Still, his innings ensured Bangladesh had a strong enough cushion to put Pakistan under pressure.

The bowlers then executed the plan perfectly. Pakistan lost opener Imam-ul-Haq in the very first over of the chase, caught behind off Taskin Ahmed. Wickets kept falling at regular intervals as Miraz, Taijul, and Nahid tightened the grip.

Although Abdullah Fazal and Salman Agha briefly resisted with a useful partnership, Bangladesh quickly regained control. Taijul trapped Fazal lbw, and Taskin removed Salman soon after.

Pakistan’s hopes faded completely when Nahid Rana produced a devastating spell late in the innings. Across three consecutive overs, he dismissed Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and Noman Ali while conceding only five runs. Taijul added another wicket in between, triggering a collapse that effectively ended the contest.

Nahid completed a memorable five-wicket haul by dismissing Shaheen Afridi, putting the finishing touch on one of Bangladesh’s most convincing Test victories in recent years.