Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 104 runs to take 1-0 lead in Dhaka Test

DHAKA: Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 104 runs in the first Test on Tuesday, sealing a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after a dramatic final day in Dhaka.

Set 268 for victory, Pakistan were 119-3 before losing their remaining wickets to be bowled out for 163 in the final session. Debutant Abdullah Fazal top-scored with 66 in a fighting effort, while Nahid Rana starred for Bangladesh with figures of 5-40.

Pakistan’s chase had briefly gathered momentum through a 51-run fourth-wicket stand between Fazal and Salman Agha, who made 26. Their partnership revived hopes of a successful pursuit, but Bangladesh’s bowlers regained control on a turning surface and wrapped up the innings late in the day.

Taskin Ahmed removed opener Imam-ul-Haq for two, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed debutant Azan Awais for 15 after the Pakistan batter had scored a century in the first innings.

Bangladesh set competitive target

Bangladesh began the final day with a lead of 179 runs at 152-3, but lost wickets in clusters despite another strong contribution from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. He followed his first-innings century with 87 in the second innings as Bangladesh were eventually declared at 240-9.

The home side’s declaration left Pakistan needing 268, with Bangladesh’s bowlers then making full use of the conditions to force a collapse.

Shanto had also led the way in Bangladesh’s first innings with 101, helping his side post 413. Pakistan replied with 386, conceding a narrow lead. Mehidy was the standout bowler in that innings as he returned 5-102.

Rain interruptions shaped the match

The Test was affected by rain on both the third and fourth days, with overs lost because of interruptions. Despite those stoppages, the match produced a result on the fifth day as Bangladesh held their nerve to complete victory.

The win gives Bangladesh a 1-0 advantage in the two-match home series. The second Test is scheduled to begin on Saturday in Sylhet.

Bangladesh’s success was built on key performances with both bat and ball, with Shanto making major contributions across the match and Rana delivering the decisive spell in Pakistan’s second innings.