Bangladesh secured a historic 104-run victory over Pakistan in the second Test match held in Dhaka, marking their first-ever Test series win against the Asian rivals. The triumph, achieved on December 23, 2024, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, was a testament to the team's resilience and skill.
Match Summary
Chasing a target of 340 runs, Pakistan's batting lineup crumbled under pressure, managing only 235 runs in their second innings. The hosts' bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with spinners playing a pivotal role on a turning pitch. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed four wickets, while left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan took three, dismantling Pakistan's batting order.
Key Performances
- Shakib Al Hasan: Scored a crucial 87 runs in the first innings and followed up with three wickets in the second innings, earning him the Player of the Match award.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: Picked up four wickets in the second innings and contributed with valuable runs lower down the order.
- Liton Das: Top-scored for Bangladesh in the second innings with a gritty 73 runs, setting up a challenging target for Pakistan.
Historic Significance
This victory is Bangladesh's first Test series win against Pakistan, after previous attempts ended in draws or losses. The team had earlier lost the first Test in Rawalpindi by 10 wickets but bounced back emphatically in Dhaka. The win also boosts Bangladesh's standing in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will rue missed opportunities, particularly their batting collapses in both innings. Captain Babar Azam's form remains a concern, as he managed only 24 and 16 runs in the two innings. The team will need to regroup ahead of their upcoming series against New Zealand.
Reactions
Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, "This is a special moment for Bangladesh cricket. The boys showed great character to come back after the loss in the first Test." Pakistan skipper Babar Azam acknowledged the team's shortcomings, saying, "We didn't bat well in crucial moments. Credit to Bangladesh for outplaying us."
The series win is expected to boost cricket's popularity in Bangladesh, with fans celebrating the historic achievement across the country.
