Bangladesh cricket fans have a lot to celebrate as their team made history by winning their first-ever Test series against Pakistan. The two-match series concluded with Bangladesh sweeping Pakistan 2-0, a feat that marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh cricket. This victory is not just a win on paper; it’s a statement that Bangladesh is emerging as a formidable force in the world of cricket. The triumph comes at a time when the cricketing world is witnessing intense competition, and for Bangladesh to outclass a strong team like Pakistan on their home turf speaks volumes about their progress.
The series win is even more remarkable given the circumstances and challenges faced by Bangladesh. Playing in foreign conditions is always tough, but the Bangladesh team displayed exceptional grit and determination. From brilliant batting performances to disciplined bowling, every player contributed to this historic win. This victory also puts Bangladesh in a stronger position in the World Test Championship, boosting their confidence and opening new avenues for future success.
Bangladesh Stuns Pakistan with a Historic Series Win
In a stunning display of all-round cricket, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by six wickets in the second Test of the series in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, September 3. This victory secured a 2-0 clean sweep, marking Bangladesh’s first-ever Test series win against Pakistan. Chasing a target of 185, the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led team achieved the target in just 56 overs, scripting a memorable chapter in their cricket history.
The match was the third-highest successful chase by a visiting team in Pakistan, following Sri Lanka and England’s chases of 220 and 208, respectively. Bangladesh’s victory is not just a rare achievement but also a significant one as they have now placed themselves among the top competitors in Test cricket.
Pakistan’s Home Series Woes Continue
Pakistan’s defeat in this series adds to their recent struggles at home. This is their third series loss at home in recent times, following defeats to Australia (0-1 in 2021/22) and England (0-3 in 2022/23). Despite drawing the two-match series against New Zealand 0-0 in 2022/23, the losses have affected their standing in the World Test Championship (WTC), where they have now dropped to eighth place. The Shan Masood-led Pakistan team is facing increasing criticism from fans and cricket experts alike, as they continue to falter in their home conditions.
Fans React to Pakistan’s Defeat
The reaction from Pakistani fans has been one of disappointment and frustration. Many took to social media to express their discontent with the team’s performance. One fan described it as “the lowest phase of Pakistan cricket,” while another mocked the team for failing to win even on “flat roads,” a reference to the favorable home conditions that they failed to capitalize on. The widespread criticism reflects the fans’ high expectations from their team, especially when playing at home.
The first team to be eliminated from the WTC is Pakistan 😂
— Trolls (@Trollanmaar) September 3, 2024
What a historic 2-0 win for Bangladesh and a whitewash for Pakistan at home soil !!! Can Pakistan cricket go below to this level ? I believe yes #PAKvBAN
— Rαo $ααβ (@ravibluerose) September 3, 2024
Pakistan cricket is over today
— Sagar Lohatkar (@sagarlohatkar) September 3, 2024
Pakistan Cricket Heritage pic.twitter.com/19j9XfapYr
— Danish (@PctDanish) August 31, 2024
Litton Das Leads Bangladesh to Victory
Litton Das was the star performer for Bangladesh in the second Test. After Pakistan put up 274 runs in their first innings, thanks to half-centuries from Shan Masood, Saim Ayub, and Salman Agha, Bangladesh found themselves in a challenging position. However, Litton Das rose to the occasion, scoring a crucial century (138 off 228 balls) that kept Bangladesh in the game. His innings included 13 boundaries and four sixes, demonstrating his ability to take on the Pakistani bowlers with confidence.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz also played a vital role, both with the bat and the ball. His five-wicket haul in Pakistan’s first innings and his 78-run partnership with Das were crucial in keeping Bangladesh competitive. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 262 in their first innings, with Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad taking six wickets for 90 runs.
Pakistan’s Second Innings Collapse
In their second innings, Pakistan managed to score only 172 runs, setting a target of 185 for Bangladesh. Salman Agha’s unbeaten 47 and Mohammad Rizwan’s 43 were the only notable contributions. Hasan Mahmud led the bowling attack for Bangladesh, taking five wickets, while Nahid Rana chipped in with four. The Pakistani batting lineup crumbled under pressure, unable to put up a defendable total.
Bangladesh Clinches Victory with Solid Batting
In the final innings, Bangladesh chased down the target with ease. Contributions from Zakir Hasan (40 off 39 balls) and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (38 off 82 balls) set the tone for the chase. Mominul Haque, Shadman Islam, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Shakib Al Hasan all contributed valuable runs to ensure that Bangladesh crossed the finish line without any major hiccups. Rahim and Shakib remained unbeaten, steering Bangladesh to a historic win.
