Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey
Reactions spread far and wide throughout the cricketing world, as Bangladesh created history by beating Pakistan in a Test match for the first time. A draw looked the most likely result right throughout the game even heading into the final day, but a monumental Pakistan collapse against Bangladesh’s disciplined attack spelt curtains.
That Bangladesh put themselves in a position where they could dream of a win was thanks to their batting effort. They took advantage of Pakistan’s baffling call to play without a specialist spinner in such conditions, with Mushfiqur Rahim (191) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (77) combining for a 196-run stand to break the Pakistan’s morale.
The four seamers toiled for 117.3 overs combined. Offspinner Agha Salman sent down 41 without success, although catches were dropped. Bangladesh piled on 565, but anything other than a draw still looked unlikely.
However, enter Pakistan. A mix of timid and reckless batting kept the door ajar early for Bangladesh, and they smashed it open. After the fast bowlers took the first three wickets, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4/21) and Shakib Al Hasan (3/44) took the rest, taking advantage of the turn on offer on the Rawalpindi surface.
Only Mohammad Rizwan (51) and Abdullah Shafique (37) offered any meaningful resistance. However, Shafique’s dismissal summed up where Pakistan cricket is at right now. They are stuck in cement, and can’t find a way out.
Bangladesh then knocked off the 30 they needed in just 6.3 overs to seal a historic win, which was also the first time they ever won a Test after conceding 400 in an innings.
Reactions: Pakistan slammed for terrible loss as Bangladesh rejoice
Pakistan trolled and criticised following defeat
Fans were quick to pile onto Pakistan in what has been a difficult year for the team. They were eliminated in the first round of the T20 World Cup and their hopes of reaching the WTC 2023-25 Final have taken a hammer blow after yet another home Test match without a win.
Bangladesh celebrate landmark win
The second Test will also be played at Rawalpindi. It begins on August 30. Bangladesh can further boost their WTC Final hopes with a win. For Pakistan – they must win.
