Historic win! Fans in disbelief as Bangladesh upsets Pakistan in Rawalpindi Test

RAWALPINDI: 'Bangladesh can escape unbeaten if it rains', remarked a Pakistan commentator while other cricket analysts seconded the opinion. However, it didn't rain after the first day of the first Test in Rawalpindi.

But breaking popular expectation, Bangladesh emerged victorious when the game ended on the fifth day breaking Pakistan's hearts and leaving many analysts in silence. Fans are still in disbelief and are furious about the humiliating defeat on home soil.

After scoring 448 runs in the first innings, Pakistan declared in high hopes putting all bets on their superb bowling prowess. But veteran player Mushfiqur Rahim (191), Shadman Islam (93), Liton Das (56) and Mehdi Hassan Miraz (77) fought helping Bangladesh score 565 runs. After taking a first-innings lead of 117 runs on the fourth day, the Bengal Tigers produced a scintillating bowling performance to bowl out Pakistan for just 146 runs in the second innings.

Despite no spinners to work wonders in the spin-conducive pitch, Bangladesh seamers wreaked havoc on the Pak batting lineup. Only wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, who scored a smashing century (171*) in the first innings and remained unbeaten, shone in the second innings as well. The player scored 51 runs in the second inning. Saud Shakeel (0), who scored 141 runs in the first innings, was disappointed in the second innings.

Pakistan smelled danger when the front line which included Abdullah Shafiq (37), Saeem Ayub (1), captain Shan Masood (14) and Babar Azam (22) failed. Mehdi Hasan Miraz took four wickets while Shakib Al Hasan took three wickets for Bangladesh. Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmood and Shoriful Islam took one wicket each. With the win, Bangladesh took the lead in the two-match series (1-0).