Bangladesh achieved a monumental milestone in international cricket on Tuesday by securing their first-ever home Test victory against Pakistan. At the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, the hosts triumphed by 104 runs on a dramatic fifth day that saw a stunning batting collapse from the visiting side. This victory gives Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, marking their third overall Test win against Pakistan and a significant step forward in their evolution as a competitive Test nation.
The hero of the day was 23-year-old pace sensation Nahid Rana, whose clinical bowling performance turned the tide in favor of the home team. Pakistan entered the final session chasing a target of 268 and appeared to be in a stable position at 119-3. However, the introduction of Rana into the attack completely dismantled the Pakistani lower order. Rana finished with career-best figures of 5-40, showcasing his raw pace and lethal reverse swing. His final spell of 4.5 overs was particularly devastating, as he claimed four wickets for just 10 runs to spark a total collapse that saw Pakistan bowled out for 163.
Pakistan`s debutant Abdullah Fazal provided the only significant resistance for the visitors, scoring a valiant 66 runs. Fazal put together a promising 51-run partnership with Salman Agha, who contributed 26, giving the Pakistani camp a glimmer of hope for a successful chase. However, once Rana broke through the defense of the middle order, the remaining wickets fell in quick succession. The visitors` struggle against the disciplined bowling attack of Bangladesh was evident, as they failed to cope with the pressure of a final-day chase on a rain-hit surface.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto praised the collective effort of his squad, noting that the win was a result of months of rigorous preparation. Shanto`s own contribution with the bat was vital; his resilient 87 runs in the second inning set the foundation for the 268-run target. With this victory, Shanto has now equaled the record of former captain Mushfiqur Rahim for the most Test wins as a Bangladesh captain, reaching the seven-win milestone in just 17 matches compared to Mushfiqur’s 34. This achievement reflects the positive trajectory of the national team under his recent leadership.
The match, which was frequently interrupted by rain over the five days, concluded in an atmosphere of celebration for the local fans in Mirpur. For Bangladesh, winning a Test against Pakistan on home soil has been a long-awaited accomplishment, and doing so with such a dominant bowling display adds to the prestige of the result. As the series moves forward, the focus will remain on whether Rana and the rest of the pace unit can maintain this momentum. For now, the Tigers stand proud with a historic victory that cements their place as a rising threat in the long-form format of the game.
