Pakistan outclassed in first Pak vs Ban Test, Nahid Rana shines

MIRPUR: Bangladesh secured a commanding 104-run victory over Pakistan in the opening Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, after to a sensational five-wicket haul from pacer Nahid Rana on the final day.

Defending a target of 268, Bangladesh bowled Pakistan out for 163, with Nahid Rana delivering the decisive blow by dismissing Shaheen Shah Afridi for a 13-ball duck to complete a memorable five-for.

Nahid emerged as the standout performer for the hosts, while Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam chipped in with two wickets each. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also claimed a wicket as Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled in the final session.

Pakistan showed some resistance through debutant Abdullah Fazal, who top-scored with 66, but the visitors lost momentum quickly after Tea. Fazal was dismissed by Taijul Islam in the opening over of the session without adding to his score, triggering a collapse.

Taskin Ahmed then removed Salman Ali Agha for 26 in the following over, leaving Pakistan struggling at 121-5.

Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel briefly attempted to revive the chase with a steady partnership, but Nahid Rana struck in consecutive overs to dismiss both batters after they had scored 15 runs each, effectively ending Pakistan’s hopes.

Pakistan’s lower order folded soon after, losing the final three wickets for just 10 runs as Bangladesh sealed an emphatic win.

Earlier, Pakistan had reached Tea at 116-3, still needing 152 runs for victory, with Fazal unbeaten on 66 alongside Salman Ali Agha on 21.

Before the interval, Fazal and fellow debutant Azan Awais stitched together a crucial 54-run stand following Lunch to keep Pakistan in contention. Azan, who had scored a century in the first innings, was later dismissed for 15 by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Captain Shan Masood endured another disappointing outing, falling to Nahid Rana for just two runs.

Bangladesh had earlier declared their second innings at 240-9, with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto leading the way with a composed 87 off 150 deliveries.

For Pakistan, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali claimed three wickets each in Bangladesh’s second innings, while Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets and Mohammad Abbas picked up one.

Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim added only six runs to his overnight score before Hasan Ali dismissed him for 22, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed a quickfire 24 off 27 balls late in the innings.