Bangladesh produced a superb final-day performance to defeat Pakistan by 104 runs in the first Test at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, taking a crucial lead in the series and collecting 12 valuable World Test Championship points. Despite rain interruptions across Days 3 and 4 and Pakistan appearing well-placed at tea on the final day, the visitors collapsed dramatically under relentless pressure from Bangladesh’s bowling attack, led brilliantly by pace sensation Nahid Rana.
Najmul Hossain Shanto powers Bangladesh to strong first innings total
After being asked to bat, Bangladesh laid the groundwork for victory with a competitive first-innings total of 413. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a composed century, scoring 101 and anchoring the innings during crucial phases. Mominul Haque added a valuable 91, while veteran Mushfiqur Rahim chipped in with 71 to ensure Bangladesh maintained control for long periods.
Pakistan’s bowlers had to work hard on a surface that gradually slowed down. Mohammad Abbas was the standout performer with an excellent five-wicket haul of 5 for 92, while Shaheen Afridi supported him with three wickets despite conceding runs at a brisk rate.
Pakistan respond through Azan Awais and middle order resistance
Pakistan responded positively with the bat and came close to matching Bangladesh’s total. Young batter Azan Awais impressed with a superb century, scoring 103 under pressure and showing admirable patience against Bangladesh’s spin-heavy attack. Abdullah Fazal contributed 60, while Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha added useful half-centuries to keep Pakistan in the contest.
However, Bangladesh ensured the visitors never gained complete control. Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered a decisive spell to claim 5 for 102, consistently troubling Pakistan’s middle order with sharp turn and bounce. Taijul Islam also played a supporting role with two wickets as Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 386, trailing by 27 runs.
Shanto and Mominul Haque Push Bangladesh Ahead
Rain interruptions consumed large chunks of playing time on Days 3 and 4, forcing Bangladesh to accelerate the game on the final morning. The hosts showed aggressive intent in their second innings, declaring at 240 for 9 and setting Pakistan a target of 268.
Once again, Shanto stepped up with the bat, scoring an attacking 87, while Mominul added another important fifty with 56. Their partnership ensured Bangladesh stretched the lead beyond the psychologically important 250-run mark. Hasan Ali was Pakistan’s best bowler in the innings, finishing with figures of 3 for 52.
Nahid Rana destroys Pakistan’s resistance
Chasing 268 on a wearing Day 5 surface was always going to be difficult, but Pakistan initially appeared determined to survive. Abdullah Fazal fought hard with a gritty 66 and guided the innings through difficult phases. At tea, Pakistan were still four wickets down and looked capable of escaping with a draw.
But the game changed dramatically after the break as Nahid unleashed a devastating spell of fast bowling. Bowling with pace, discipline and aggression, the young pacer exposed Pakistan’s defensive approach and dismantled the batting lineup. Saud Shakeel’s loose drive and Rizwan’s poor judgement triggered the collapse before the tail folded quickly under sustained pressure.
Nahid finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 40, while Taijul picked up two wickets to complete the victory as Pakistan were bundled out for just 152, losing the Test by 104 runs.
Bangladesh have defeated Pakistan at home for the first time in Test cricket 👏#BANvPAK #BangladeshCricket #NajmulHossainShanto pic.twitter.com/RlX0fYSxT0
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) May 12, 2026
