Pakistan’s difficult run in Test cricket continued after Bangladesh secured another impressive victory in the first Test of the two-match series at Mirpur, Dhaka. The match, played from May 8 to May 12, ended with Bangladesh defeating Pakistan by 104 runs, marking another disappointing result for the visitors and raising fresh questions about the team’s performance in the longer format.
Chasing a target of 268 runs on the final day at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure and was bowled out for just 163 runs. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto played a major role in the victory, scoring 101 runs in the first innings and 87 in the second. His all-round leadership and match-winning batting earned him the Player of the Match award.
Bangladesh also delivered with the ball, as Mehidy Hasan Miraz took five wickets in the first innings, while fast bowler Nahid Rana produced a brilliant five-wicket haul in the second innings to put Pakistan under massive pressure.
Despite the defeat, there were a few positives for Pakistan. Debutant Azan Awais impressed with a century on his Test debut, while Abdullah Fazal scored half-centuries in both innings after being included in the playing XI due to a late injury to Babar Azam.
However, Pakistan’s senior players failed to deliver when it mattered most. Poor shot selection, missed chances behind the stumps, and an ineffective bowling performance proved costly. This result also marks Bangladesh’s third straight Test win against Pakistan, showing how the balance in this rivalry is beginning to shift.