Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - Bangladesh achieved a historic 2-0 clean sweep over Pakistan with a decisive six-wicket victory in the second and final Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium today.
This victory is particularly significant as it marks the first time the Tigers have defeated Pakistan in a Test series and their third-ever Test series win away from home.
Previously, Bangladesh secured series victories against a second-string West Indies side in 2009 and a one-off series against Zimbabwe in 2021.
The win in Rawalpindi also places Bangladesh in exclusive company, as they become only the second team to complete a clean sweep over Pakistan on their home soil in a Test series.
The only other team to accomplish this feat was England, who achieved a 3-0 victory over Pakistan in 2022.
The match was a culmination of outstanding individual and team performances.
Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim were the heroes on the final day, guiding Bangladesh to a 185-run target in the second session.
Shakib sealed the victory with a match-winning boundary, with both he and Mushfiqur remaining unbeaten on 22 and 21 runs, respectively.
Their composed batting brought Bangladesh across the finish line, building on the solid foundation set by earlier contributions.
The Tigers were well-positioned to chase down the target, having reached 42-0 at stumps on the previous day.
However, they faced early setbacks as openers Zakir Hassan (40) and Shadman Islam (24) were dismissed in the first session.
A crucial 57-run partnership between Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto then steadied the innings.
Despite both Shanto (38) and Mominul (34) being dismissed in the second session, the experienced duo of Mushfiqur and Shakib ensured there were no further hiccups as they guided the team to victory.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh's comeback was orchestrated by a record-breaking seventh-wicket partnership between Liton Das and Mehedi Hasan Miraz.
With Bangladesh reeling at 26-6 in their first innings, the pair put on a remarkable 165-run stand. Liton’s majestic 138 and Miraz’s valiant 78 helped Bangladesh recover to post 262, limiting the deficit to just 12 runs.
The bowlers then took center stage, with Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana delivering match-defining performances.
Hasan claimed five wickets while Rana took four, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup and restricting them to 172 in their second innings.
This effort set up the 185-run target, which Bangladesh successfully chased down on the final day.
The match itself was not without challenges, as poor weather conditions wiped out the entire first day’s play, and only one over was bowled in the final session of the penultimate day.
Despite a forecast of rain on the fifth day, the weather held clear, allowing Bangladesh to complete their historic victory.
This clean sweep is not just a testament to the Tigers' growing prowess in Test cricket, but also a proud moment for the nation as they planted their flag firmly on Pakistani soil, marking a new chapter in their cricketing journey.
BBN/TA/AD