Bangladesh secured a comprehensive 104-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test match held in Dhaka, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The hosts put up a dominant performance across all departments, outplaying the visitors in both batting and bowling.
Bangladesh's First Innings
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Bangladesh posted a formidable total of 376 runs in their first innings. Captain Mominul Haque led from the front with a brilliant century, scoring 115 runs off 198 balls, including 14 boundaries and a six. Liton Das contributed a solid 88, while Mushfiqur Rahim added 54. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 95 runs, while Hasan Ali and Nauman Ali chipped in with two wickets each.
Pakistan's Response
In response, Pakistan's batting lineup faltered and was bowled out for 248 runs, conceding a first-innings lead of 128 runs. Opener Abid Ali top-scored with 73, and Azhar Ali made 51, but the rest of the batting order failed to provide substantial support. Taijul Islam was the star for Bangladesh, claiming 5 wickets for 74 runs, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz took 3 for 62.
Bangladesh's Second Innings
Bangladesh declared their second innings at 275 for 7, setting Pakistan a challenging target of 404 runs to win. Najmul Hossain Shanto played a crucial knock of 89, and Mominul Haul added another fifty, scoring 66. Pakistan's bowlers toiled hard, with Hasan Ali taking 3 for 68 and Shaheen Afridi 2 for 55.
Pakistan's Chase
Chasing 404, Pakistan showed some resistance but ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 299 runs. Babar Azam fought valiantly with a captain's innings of 124, his 10th Test century, but lacked support from the other end. Mohammad Rizwan made 53, but the rest of the batting crumbled under pressure. Taijul Islam was again the destroyer-in-chief, taking 6 for 108, finishing with match figures of 11 for 182. Mehidy Hasan Miraz took 3 for 83.
Key Performances
- Mominul Haque: Scored 115 and 66, anchoring Bangladesh's innings.
- Taijul Islam: Took 11 wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul in each innings.
- Babar Azam: Scored a valiant 124 in the second innings but in vain.
The victory gives Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, with the second Test scheduled to be played in Chattogram starting from May 20. Pakistan will look to bounce back and level the series, while Bangladesh will aim to seal a historic series win.
