PAK vs BAN: Bangladesh’s Historic Test Series Win

Bangladesh’s national cricket team has made headlines with their remarkable Test series win over Pakistan in 2024, marking their first series victory against Pakistan in the longest format of the game. This significant achievement came after a long wait and was underscored by a commanding 10-wicket victory in the first Test and a hard-fought 6-wicket win in the second Test, both held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

PAK vs BAN 1st Test Summary

The first Test was a testament to Bangladesh’s growing prowess in Test cricket. Pakistan declared their first innings at 448/6, with a standout performance from Mohammad Rizwan, who scored an unbeaten 171, setting a new record for the most runs by a Pakistani wicketkeeper in a Test match. However, Bangladesh responded robustly with a record-breaking 565 all-out, their highest innings total in a winning cause, led by Mushfiqur Rahim’s 191. Rahim’s knock was particularly significant, as he fell just short of a double century, but it was enough to establish a substantial first-innings lead of 117 runs.

On a deteriorating pitch, Bangladesh’s bowlers exploited the conditions superbly on the final day. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan shared seven wickets between them, dismantling Pakistan for 146 in their second innings. This led to Bangladesh’s first-ever 10-wicket win in Test cricket, chasing down the modest target of 30 runs with ease.

Key Statistics and Records from the First Test

This victory ended Bangladesh’s 14-match winless streak against Pakistan in Tests, comprising 12 losses (including six by an innings margin) and one draw.

This was Bangladesh’s maiden victory by a 10-wicket margin in Test cricket.

This marked Pakistan’s first defeat by 10 wickets in a home Test, including matches played in the UAE.

The 565 scored by Bangladesh is their highest total in a winning Test match, surpassing their previous best of 560/6 declared against Zimbabwe in 2020.

PAK vs BAN 2nd Test Summary

The second Test was a much tighter affair, with Pakistan scoring 274 in their first innings and Bangladesh responding with 262, thanks to a gritty 92 from Litton Das, who was named Player of the Match. Pakistan’s second innings collapse to 172 all-out, due largely to Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s five-wicket haul, left Bangladesh needing 185 to win. Despite some early jitters, the visitors chased down the target, with Litton Das again playing a crucial role, guiding Bangladesh to a 6-wicket victory and securing a historic series win.

Key Statistics and Records from the Second Test

Bangladesh’s chase of 185 is their third-highest successful run chase in Test history, behind 215 against West Indies in 2009 and 191 against Sri Lanka in 2017.

Pakistan has now gone ten Tests at home without a win (six defeats and four draws), marking the longest such run for a team in home games, barring Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.

This is only the second instance where Pakistan has lost all Tests in a home series, following a 0-3 defeat to England in the 2022/23 season.