Unwanted history: Pakistan outclassed for the first time on Bangladeshi soil

DHAKA: Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone in Test cricket today, securing their first-ever home Test victory against Pakistan. On the final day of the series opener, the hosts triumphed by 104 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and dealing a significant blow to Pakistan's World Test Championship (WTC) standings.

Match Summary

• Bangladesh: 413 (1st Inn) & 240/9 d (2nd Inn)
• Pakistan: 386 (1st Inn) & 163 (2nd Inn)
• Result: Bangladesh won by 104 runs
• Player of the Match: Najmul Hossain Shanto

Chasing a challenging target of 268 on Day 5, Pakistan’s batting order collapsed under intense pressure from the Bangladeshi pace attack. Young pacer Nahid Rana was the star of the day, claiming a career-best 5/40. His devastating spell after tea saw him remove Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and Noman Ali in quick succession, effectively ending Pakistan's hopes of a draw.

Debutant Abdullah Fazal was the sole bright spot for the visitors. Following his 60 in the first innings, Fazal played a valiant knock of 66, becoming only the sixth Pakistani batter to score half-centuries in both innings of a Test debut. He shared a 51-run stand with Salman Ali Agha (26), but once Fazal was dismissed in the 32nd over, the rest of the lineup folded "like ninepins."

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who earned Player of the Match honours for his scores of 101 and 87, timed the declaration perfectly at 240/9. The bowlers responded brilliantly; alongside Rana's five-for, Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam picked up two wickets each to seal the historic win.