Young pace sensation Nahid Rana produced a sensational bowling display on the final day of the Dhaka Test as Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 104 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Chasing a target of 268, Pakistan appeared well-positioned at one stage. Heading into the final session, they needed 152 more runs with seven wickets still in hand. But the match turned dramatically once Nahid Rana unleashed a devastating spell of pace and reverse swing.
The right-arm fast bowler ripped through Pakistan’s middle order, dismissing Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan in quick succession to put Bangladesh firmly in control. Nahid finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 40 in 9.5 overs.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for just 163 in their second innings, with as many as 23 overs still remaining in the day’s play.
Earlier, Bangladesh declared their second innings at 240 for 9. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a composed 87-run knock after scoring a century in the first innings as well.
Speaking after the match, Shanto said he had complete faith in his bowlers, which inspired his aggressive declaration and target-setting strategy.
Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam also made important contributions to Bangladesh’s victory. Taskin struck early by removing Imam-ul-Haq, while Taijul dismissed half-centurion Abdullah Fazal at a crucial stage.
With this victory, Bangladesh registered their third consecutive Test win over Pakistan. The second and final Test of the series is scheduled to begin in Sylhet on May 16.