Bangladesh Secures Historic Test Series Victory Over Pakistan in Rawalpindi

Despite forecasts of rain and thunderstorms throughout the night, the much-anticipated cricket match between Bangladesh and Pakistan continued on the field, with Pakistan's legendary cricketer Ramiz Raja emphasizing that the game is decided on the pitch, not by weather predictions. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Raja made these comments on his YouTube channel.

Bangladesh, with hopes of clinching their first series victory against Pakistan, made that dream a reality today in the second session of the fifth day. With a fiery bowling performance followed by a solid batting display, Bangladesh achieved a remarkable 6-wicket victory in the second Test of the series.

The victory brings back memories of Bangladesh's heartbreaking loss in the Multan Test against Pakistan, but this time, the first Test in Rawalpindi helped heal that old wound. The 10-wicket win in the first Test marked Bangladesh's first-ever Test victory over Pakistan, and the second Test win has further cemented this historic achievement.

On the final day, despite losing two early wickets, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, and Mushfiqur Rahim guided Bangladesh to a total of 185 runs, securing victory. Pakistan's pacers struggled on the fourth day, and Bangladesh capitalized on this in the second session of the fifth day, with patience and determination ultimately leading them to a series win. Shakib Al Hasan sealed the victory with a four off Abrar Ahmed, handing Pakistan only their second home Test series defeat in history—the first being a 3-0 loss to England.

Bangladesh's Glorious Moment After 15 Years

Bangladesh needed 143 runs on the fifth day to create history. After adding 14 more runs to the previous day's opening partnership of 42, Zakir Hasan scored 58 runs before being bowled by Mir Hamza, leaving the team at 70 runs. Sadman Islam, another opener, departed after scoring 40 runs, caught by Shaan Masood at mid-off.

Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque played crucial innings, despite initial struggles due to a wet outfield. The duo added 57 runs in 20 overs, putting the match beyond Pakistan's reach. However, after lunch, Shanto was dismissed for 38 runs, leaving Bangladesh needing 58 more runs to win.

Mominul soon followed Shanto back to the pavilion, but Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim then guided Bangladesh to a historic series victory. Shakib, determined to secure the win, ensured Bangladesh crossed the finish line with confidence and poise. This victory added Pakistan to the list of teams Bangladesh has defeated in overseas Test series, alongside the West Indies in 2009 and Zimbabwe in 2021.

The foundation of this victory was laid on the third day when Hasan Mahmud claimed two wickets late in the afternoon, putting Pakistan on the back foot despite a 21-run lead. On the fourth day, Bangladesh's pacers, led by Nahid Rana's career-best bowling spell, dismantled Pakistan's top and middle order. Hasan Mahmud also contributed significantly, dismissing key batsmen Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha, leaving Pakistan with a total of 172 runs and setting Bangladesh a target of 185.

Earlier, in Bangladesh's first innings, a world-record partnership of 165 runs for the seventh wicket between Liton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided a much-needed confidence boost. Liton scored his fourth Test century, helping Bangladesh reach 262 in response to Pakistan's 274.

Despite a 12-run deficit, Bangladesh quickly regained control of the match, and their victory was celebrated with the waving of the red and green flag in the gallery—a symbol of their historic triumph at the end of the series.