Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 104 runs in the first of the two-match series to be played between the two teams at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka on Tuesday, May 12. The home team batted first in this game and put up a massive total of 413 on the board in 117.1 overs. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led the way for Bangladesh with a patient 101, which came off a mere 130 deliveries. Usually known for playing marathon innings, Shanto played his strokes freely in this encounter.
He was also helped out by the half-centuries scored by Mominul Haque (91) and Mushfiqur Rahim (71). Mohammad Abbas led the way for Pakistan with a well-deserved five-wicket haul (5-92), which he bagged after toiling in the heat for 34 overs. Pakistan, walking out to bat, were helped by their opener Azan Awais scoring 103. Imam-ul-Haq (45) and Abdullah Fazal (60) also chipped in with respectable scores.
Salman Agha (58) and Mohammad Rizwan (59) helped their team’s cause in the middle order. However, Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz still returned with figures of 5-102. Pakistan were bowled out for 386, allowing Bangladesh to take a 27-run lead. In the second innings, Bangladesh skipper Shanto was amongst the runs once again, scoring 87 on a deteriorating pitch, while Haque stood tall with 56.
The hosts eventually declared their innings at 240-9, setting Pakistan a target of 268 to chase on the last day. The visitors, however, failed to live up to the challenge and crumbled to get all out for 163 inside 53 overs. Seamer Nahid Rana was the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers, with figures of 5-40. No Pakistani batter, save Abdullah Fazal (60), offered any resistance whatsoever. Bangladesh won this match by 104 runs, and went into the second Test with an unassailable 1-0 lead.
