Shafaqna Sports: Bangladesh achieved a historic series sweep over Pakistan with a second Test victory on Tuesday afternoon. Chasing 143 runs on the final day with all 10 wickets intact, Bangladesh secured the win with four wickets down, thanks to Shakib Al Hasan’s decisive boundary through the covers.
This series win marks only Bangladesh’s second overseas series triumph, the last one being against the West Indies in 2009. The tourists dominated the opening Test, winning by 10 wickets, and wrapped up the second Test in just four days after the first day was lost to rain in Rawalpindi.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his immense satisfaction, highlighting the collective effort of the team. “This series win means a lot … we’re really happy,” Shanto said. “Everyone contributed, and it’s truly a team effort. I hope this positive culture continues.”
Before this series, Bangladesh had lost 12 of its last 13 Tests against Pakistan, with a draw in 2015 being the only exception. However, Shanto mentioned that the team was confident and aimed for victory from the outset. “We came here with the intention to win. The way everyone performed, I’m very pleased … their work ethic was crucial.”
In the first innings, Bangladesh was in trouble at 26-6, but a remarkable 138 from Litton Das and 78 from Mehidy Hasan Miraz allowed Bangladesh to reduce Pakistan’s lead to just 12 runs. In the second innings, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, and Taskin Ahmed dismissed Pakistan for 172, marking the first time Bangladesh’s fast bowlers took all 10 wickets in an innings. This set a target of 184 runs, which Bangladesh achieved in four sessions.
On the final day, the top order played with resilience to thwart Pakistan’s chances of a comeback. Key contributions came from opener Zakir Hasan (40), Shanto (38), and Mominul Haque (34). Shakib Al Hasan, unbeaten on 21, and Mushfiqur Rahim, unbeaten on 22, completed the chase at 185-4 in the 56th over.
Pakistan missed crucial opportunities, including a failed review when Mohammad Ali’s delivery edged Zakir Hasan’s bat and a dropped catch by Salman Ali Agha off Shadman Islam. Shanto and Mominul played cautiously against Pakistan’s bowlers, with leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed eventually claiming Mominul’s wicket.
The result adds to Pakistan’s disappointing home record, extending their winless streak in Tests to 10 matches over 2 1/2 years—a feat only matched once before, from 1969-75. Shan Masood is now the first Pakistan captain to lose his first five Tests.
Masood expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic. “It’s extremely disappointing, especially starting the home season,” he said. “We’ve seen similar issues in previous series, like the one against Australia. We haven’t fully addressed our problems, but we’ll keep trying and giving opportunities. I believe we’re heading in the right direction.”
England is set to visit Pakistan next month for a three-Test series.