Pakistan set unwanted Test record after defeat to Bangladesh

MIRPUR: Pakistan registered an unwanted record after a 104-run defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

Nahid Rana produced a sensational fast-bowling display to guide the home side to a commanding victory on the fifth and final day of the opening Test.

Rana completed a memorable five-wicket haul by dismissing Shaheen Shah Afridi for a 13-ball duck to wrap up Pakistan’s innings at 163 while defending a target of 268.

With this defeat, Pakistan became the second team after Zimbabwe to lose three consecutive Tests to Bangladesh. Last year, Bangladesh clean-swept Pakistan in a memorable triumph, sealing the series 2-0.

In addition to this, Shan Masood now has the joint second-most defeats as Test captain in Pakistan’s history, with 11 defeats in 15 matches. Misbah ul Haq, who led Pakistan in 56 Tests, is the only man to lose more Tests than Shan Masood.

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Nahid finished as the standout performer for Bangladesh, while Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam claimed two wickets apiece. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also chipped in with one scalp.

Pakistan’s resistance was led by debutant Abdullah Fazal, who top-scored with 66, but the visitors suffered a dramatic collapse in the final session.

Senior batters Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to steady the innings with a brief partnership and looked set to drag Pakistan back into the contest.

However, Nahid Rana struck in consecutive overs to dismiss both batters after they scored 15 runs each, effectively ending Pakistan’s hopes of survival.

The visitors then lost their final three wickets for just 10 runs as Bangladesh sealed an emphatic victory.

The second Test will be played from 16 to 20 May at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

READ: Abdullah Fazal joins elite Pakistan list with rare feat on Test debut