Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, scripted history securing their maiden Test series win against Pakistan after a win in the second Test. They triumphed on Day 5 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, completing a series whitewash on Tuesday, September 3.
Bangladesh showcased a commanding performance in both matches against Pakistan and swept the series 2-0. They clinched the first Test by 10 wickets, marking their maiden Test victory over Pakistan and their continuous dominance allowed them to accomplish this historic achievement. This triumph is also Bangladesh’s first against a team other than Zimbabwe or the West Indies. Additionally, this victory helped Bangladesh jump to No. 4 in the ICC World Test Championship standings, with a points percentage of 45.83.
Bangladesh began Day 5 at 42/0, needing 143 more runs to win and make history. The tourists got off to a solid start, adding 80 runs in the morning session before losing both openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam in a space of 12 runs. Despite this setback, Shanto and Mominul Haque formed a crucial 57-run partnership to take control of the game. However, Shanto was removed for 38 shortly after Lunch while Mominul fell for 34, which left Bangladesh in a momentary lapse. However, veterans Mushfiqur Rahim (22) and Shakib Al Hasan (21) guided Bangladesh to a historic win.
Earlier in the Test, Bangladesh delivered a remarkable performance, dismissing Pakistan for a below-par score of 274 runs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz emerged as a standout bowler for Bangladesh claiming a five-wicket haul while Taskin Ahmed contributed three wickets. For Pakistan, captain Shan Masood (57), opener Saim Ayub (58), and Salman Ali Agha (54) showcased modestly impressive performances. Despite a lackluster performance with the bat, the hosts responded with a strong bowling display, and bundled out Bangladesh for 262 runs, providing them with a narrow 12-run lead. Khurram Shahzad secured a six-wicket haul while Mir Hamza and Salman Ali Agha contributed with two wickets each.
However, the Bangladesh bowlers were nothing short of exceptional in the third innings of the game. Hasan Mahmud (5/43) and Nahid Rana (4/44) showcased their prowess, claiming a combined nine wickets as Bangladesh bowled out Pakistan for just 172 runs. Pakistan could only set a target of 185 runs with four sessions remaining. Despite poor weather and bad light curtailed play early on Day 4, Bangladesh secured victory by six wickets on the second session of Day 5.