Bangladesh register third straight Test victory over Pakistan as Nahid Rana’s fiery spell dismantles visitors in the final session

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Bangladesh produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by 104 runs in the first Test in Dhaka, continuing their remarkable rise in red-ball cricket. Powered by a sensational five-wicket haul from Nahid Rana, the hosts wrapped up the match in the final session on Day 5 and secured their third consecutive Test win against Pakistan following their historic 2-0 series sweep in 2024.

Defending a challenging fourth-innings target, Bangladesh’s bowling attack came alive after lunch with Nahid Rana leading the charge. The young fast bowler tore through Pakistan’s middle and lower order, finishing with outstanding figures of 5 for 40 in just 9.5 overs. Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam chipped in with two wickets each, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz added another scalp to complete a memorable victory for the home side.

Pakistan’s chase briefly revolved around debutant Abdullah Fazal, who showed impressive composure under pressure. After the early dismissal of Imam-ul-Haq before lunch, Fazal counterattacked with a series of confident strokes, including boundaries off Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nahid Rana. He survived a few nervous moments as edges flew through the slip cordon before bringing up a fighting half-century with an upper-cut off Ebadot Hossain.

However, Bangladesh struck regularly at the other end. Mehidy dismissed Azan Awais for 15 with a delivery that held its line and crashed into the stumps. Soon after, Nahid Rana removed Pakistan captain Shan Masood, leaving the visitors struggling at 68 for 3.

Fazal continued to resist and reached 66 off 113 balls, becoming only the sixth Pakistan batter to score fifties in both innings on Test debut. But shortly after tea, Taijul Islam produced a sharp spinning delivery that forced an error from the left-hander, with the TV umpire confirming the dismissal after a review.

Bangladesh tightened their grip further when Taskin Ahmed had Salman Ali Agha caught at second slip. Despite a painful blow to the chest, Shadman Islam held onto the catch brilliantly, highlighting Bangladesh’s intensity in the field.

Nahid Rana then returned to finish the job in emphatic style. He removed Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi in a devastating spell that crushed Pakistan’s hopes of a comeback and sparked celebrations among the Dhaka crowd.

Earlier on the fifth morning, Bangladesh adopted an aggressive approach to stretch their lead. The hosts added 88 valuable runs in 20 overs despite losing six wickets. Hasan Ali provided Pakistan early breakthroughs by dismissing Mushfiqur Rahim for 22 and later taking a superb boundary catch to remove Litton Das.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed a quick 24 with attacking strokes before Noman Ali claimed his milestone 100th Test wicket by dismissing him. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto narrowly missed out on another landmark after falling lbw for 87 while attempting a reverse sweep. Shanto was denied the chance to join legends Sunil Gavaskar, Ricky Ponting and David Warner as the only batters with three instances of twin centuries in Tests.