PAK vs BAN: Bangladesh register their maiden test victory against Pakistan. Architects of Bangladesh win over Pakistan.
Bangladesh achieved a historic victory in the Rawalpindi Test against Pakistan on Sunday, marking their first-ever Test win against Pakistan in 14 attempts. Several key players stood out, playing pivotal roles in this memorable triumph. Here’s a closer look at the heroes instrumental in Bangladesh’s landmark victory.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s 191
The veteran Bangladesh player, Mushfiqur Rahim, held the first innings with a gutsy knock of 191 against a strong Pakistan bowling line-up. He came into bat at 147/3 when Bangladesh were trailing by 301 runs. Rahim then put his head down to stitch two important stands.
First, he posted a stand of 114 runs for the sixth wicket with Litton Das (56), helping Bangladesh avoid the follow-on and inch closer to Pakistan’s first-innings total of 448. But Bangladesh needed a big score from the veteran, who found an able partner in the talented all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who made a vital 77 batting at No 8. The two posted a partnership of 196 runs for the seventh wicket. This stand ensured that Bangladesh reached a first-innings total of 565, taking a vital lead of 117 runs.
Rahim stood tall in the innings, scoring 191 runs off 341 balls with 22 fours and 1 six. Beyond just helping Bangladesh gain a lead of over 100, Rahim’s innings gave his teammates the confidence that they could no longer lose the match. It also allowed them to put pressure on the Pakistan batters, as the wicket offered both turn and bounce. Thankfully, the bowlers didn’t let his knock go in vain.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s all-round show
In the wake of Rahim’s 191, the contribution of Mehidy Hasan Miraz with both bat and ball went unnoticed. He helped Rahim play his natural game while he held one end in the first innings. Miraz made a patient knock of 77 off 179 balls with 6 fours and posted a match-winning stand of 196 runs with Rahim for the seventh wicket.
Later, Miraz brought out his off-breaks, which were extremely difficult to play, with the wicket offering turn and bounce. He took four crucial wickets in the second innings, including the important wicket of Mohammad Rizwan to all but end the opposition's resistance. Miraz’s five wickets in the match and a crucial fifty are on par with Rahim’s knock, if not more.
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Shakib Al Hasan’s three wickets in the second innings
Shakib Al Hasan didn’t contribute much with the bat in the first innings. But he rose to the occasion with the ball in Pakistan’s second innings, taking three crucial wickets. He dismissed the dangerous Abdullah Shafique, who was looking good for his 37. He also got the first-innings centurion, Saud Shakeel, for a four-ball duck, having him stumped to a flighted delivery. He also dismissed Naseem Shah to ensure no late fightback from Pakistan’s lower order.
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