Pakistan Collapse as Bangladesh Take 1-0 Lead in Test Series

Bangladesh defeated Pakistanby 104 runs in the opening Test of the two-match series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing 268 for victory, Pakistan resumed the fifth day hoping to build on their resistance shown earlier in the match. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers struck regularly to dismiss the visitors for 163 in 52.5 overs.

Pakistan lost opener Imam-ul-Haq in the opening over of the day, increasing pressure on the middle order.

Debutant Abdullah Fazal once again impressed with the bat and played the most significant innings of Pakistan’s chase.

The left-hander scored 66 from 113 balls and struck 11 boundaries during a composed knock.

Fazal had also scored 60 in the first innings, becoming only the sixth Pakistan batter to score fifty-plus runs in both innings on Test debut.

Meanwhile, first-innings centurion Azan Awais contributed 15 before spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed him.

Salman Ali Agha added 26 runs to keep Pakistan within touching distance of the target during the middle session.

At 119 for three, Pakistan still appeared capable of mounting a serious challenge. However, Bangladesh quickly regained control through disciplined bowling.

Nahid Rana destroys Pakistan batting lineup

Fast bowler Nahid Rana produced the decisive spell of the match and finished with five wickets for 40 runs.

Rana removed Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi during a devastating spell. Spinner Taijul Islam and pacer Taskin Ahmed supported Rana with two wickets each.

Earlier, Bangladesh resumed their second innings at 152 for three before declaring on 240 for nine in 70.3 overs.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 87 after also making 101 in the first innings.

For Pakistan, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali claimed three wickets each in the second innings.

Noman Ali reaches milestone despite defeat

Pakistan spinner Noman Ali reached an important personal milestone during the match.

The left-arm spinner completed his 100th Test wicket after dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the 70th over of Bangladesh’s second innings.

Noman achieved the feat in just 22 Tests and became the third-fastest Pakistani spinner to reach the landmark.

Bangladesh eventually secured a commanding victory and took a 1-0 lead in the series.

Najmul Hossain Shanto received the player of the match award for his two vital innings.

The second and final Test will begin on May 16 at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.