In a momentous achievement, Bangladesh finally broke their long-standing jinx and secured their first-ever Test win against Pakistan after 13 unsuccessful attempts spanning 21 years. The historic victory came in Rawalpindi, with the visitors delivering a commanding 10-wicket win. It was a win that not only ended years of frustration but also served as a testament to Bangladesh's growth as a cricketing nation.
For two decades, the memory of the heartbreaking loss in Multan in 2003 had loomed over Bangladesh cricket. In that match, a young and relatively inexperienced Bangladesh side had come agonizingly close to a famous win, only to see Inzamam-ul-Haq snatch victory for Pakistan with a masterful unbeaten century. That defeat became a symbol of Bangladesh’s struggles in Test cricket against their more seasoned neighbors.
But in 2024, led by seasoned players and a new generation of cricketers, Bangladesh finally got their redemption. In a performance that was as clinical as it was comprehensive, the Tigers outplayed Pakistan in every department. The key contributors included veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, who anchored Bangladesh’s innings with a superb 191, and an all-round bowling display that saw both pacers and spinners rise to the occasion.
A Dominant Performance with the Bat
Bangladesh’s batting was the foundation of their victory. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the visitors posted a formidable total on a challenging pitch. Mushfiqur Rahim’s 191 was the standout performance, showcasing his experience and ability to perform in pressure situations. His innings was a masterclass in Test match batting, blending patience with calculated aggression.
Mushfiqur received strong support from the top and middle order, with four other Bangladeshi batsmen notching up half-centuries. This collective effort ensured Bangladesh put up a substantial total, putting Pakistan under immense pressure from the outset.
The Bowling Attack: Seamers and Spinners Shine
While Bangladesh’s batsmen laid the foundation, it was the bowlers who sealed the victory. In the first innings, it was the pace trio of Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana who took center stage, dismantling Pakistan’s top order. Shoriful was particularly effective, dismissing Babar Azam for a duck and setting the tone for the rest of the match.
However, it was in the second innings where the real drama unfolded. On a fifth-day pitch offering significant turn and bounce, Bangladesh’s spinners, led by Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan, spun a web around the Pakistani batsmen. Pakistan, starting the day with just one wicket down, quickly found themselves in deep trouble as wickets tumbled in quick succession.
Mehedi Hasan Miraz was the star with the ball, taking four crucial wickets, while Shakib chipped in with three. The spinners combined to bowl out Pakistan for just 146, the lowest total ever recorded by Pakistan against Bangladesh in Test cricket. The collapse left Bangladesh with just 30 runs to chase, which the openers comfortably knocked off without losing a wicket.
Pakistan’s Collapse: A Tale of Missed Opportunities and Pressure
Pakistan’s second innings was marked by missed opportunities and poor shot selection. Starting the day in a relatively stable position, they quickly lost their captain Shan Masood, who edged a delivery from Hasan Mahmud to the keeper. The pressure mounted as Shoriful Islam induced an edge from Babar Azam, but a straightforward chance was put down by Liton Das.
Despite the lifeline, Babar’s innings was cut short by young pacer Nahid Rana, who bowled the star batsman for just 22. This dismissal was followed by a collapse as Shakib Al Hasan and Mehedi Hasan Miraz took control. Opener Abdullah Shafique, who had been holding the innings together, fell for 37 to a rash shot off Shakib’s bowling, caught in the deep by Shadman Islam.
From there, Pakistan’s middle and lower order crumbled. Agha Salman was dismissed for a duck, while Rizwan fought hard but eventually perished after reaching his half-century. His dismissal, dragging a wide delivery from Miraz onto his stumps, effectively ended Pakistan’s hopes of survival.
The tail didn’t last long as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah fell quickly, leaving Pakistan all out for 146. With the win in sight, Bangladesh’s openers, Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan, made short work of the chase, sealing a famous 10-wicket victory.
From Multan to Rawalpindi: A Journey of Redemption
For Bangladesh, this victory was more than just another Test win; it was the culmination of years of effort, development, and perseverance. The team that had come so close in Multan in 2003, led by the likes of Habibul Bashar, Mohammad Rafique, and Khaled Mahmud, had laid the groundwork for future generations. That painful defeat had fueled Bangladesh’s ambition to grow as a cricketing nation, and the win in 2024 was a fitting reward for all those years of hard work.
Players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, who have been the backbone of Bangladesh cricket for over a decade, were finally able to achieve what had eluded them for so long. For the younger generation, including Shanto, Shoriful, and Nahid, this victory serves as a milestone and a reminder that they belong at the highest level of the game.
A New Era for Bangladesh Cricket
This victory over Pakistan also signals a new era for Bangladesh cricket. It demonstrates the depth and balance in the squad, with contributions coming from both experienced players and emerging talents. The combination of a strong batting lineup and a versatile bowling attack gives Bangladesh the confidence to compete against top teams in any conditions.
Looking ahead, this win is likely to inspire Bangladesh in future series, especially in Test cricket where they have often struggled. The challenge now is to build on this success and become more consistent in red-ball cricket.
A Victory to Remember
Bangladesh’s win against Pakistan in Rawalpindi will go down as one of the most significant moments in the country’s cricketing history. It was a victory earned through teamwork, skill, and resilience, and it marks the end of a long wait for redemption. The ghost of Multan has finally been laid to rest, and Bangladesh can now look forward to a future where they are no longer underdogs, but legitimate contenders on the global stage.
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