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Pakistan quest for their first win in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle came to an unfortunate halt on Sunday. as Bangladesh secured a commanding 10-wicket victory in the opening Test of the series in Rawalpindi. This victory was particularly significant for Bangladesh, marking their first-ever Test win against Pakistan, whether at home or away. With this triumph, Bangladesh now leads the two-match series 1-0, with the final match set to take place at the same venue starting on August 30.
The aftermath of the match has sparked controversy within the Pakistan camp, as a video featuring captain Shan Masood and star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has gone viral, leading to widespread speculation about possible tensions within the team. In the video, Shan is seen standing next to Shaheen during a team huddle, but Shaheen noticeably brushes off Shan’s arm from his shoulder. This incident follows another clip that circulated online just a day earlier. showing Shan engaged in a heated exchange with head coach Jason Gillespie. These interactions have fueled rumors that all may not be well within the Pakistan squad.
Reflecting on the match itself, Bangladesh’s spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan were the stars of the show, claiming seven wickets between them to secure this historic win. Mehidy was particularly impressive, taking 4-21, while Shakib chipped in with 3-44, triggering a dramatic collapse in Pakistan’s batting lineup on the fifth day. Pakistan, who had been set a target of just 30 runs, were bowled out for a mere 146 runs in 55.5 overs.
Bangladesh openers, Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam, made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 6.3 overs. Zakir finished with 15 not out, while Shadman was unbeaten on nine as the team celebrated a memorable and long-awaited victory.
Mohammad Rizwan was the standout performer for Pakistan in their second innings, scoring a gritty 51, which included six boundaries. his efforts were in vain as Pakistan were already in dire straits, reduced to 108-6 by lunch on the final day. A hopeful crowd of nearly 5,000 had gathered, expecting Pakistan to hold on for a draw, but Mehidy’s bowling put an end to those hopes, dismissing Rizwan and last-man Mohammad Ali in quick succession. As Zakir hit the winning boundary, Bangladesh’s squad erupted in celebration, savoring their historic achievement in Pakistan.
What Went Wrong With Shaheen Afridi?
Shaheen Shah Afridi relationship with Pakistan cricketing establishment has been fraught with tension since his brief stint as captain. His tenure was cut short after a series loss in New Zealand, leading to strained relations with both the board and fellow players.
Following Pakistan early exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, Babar Azam resigned from his captaincy roles across all formats. This led to Shaheen Afridi being appointed as the captain for white-ball cricket, while Shan Masood was entrusted with the Test captaincy. Despite the initial changes, Shaheen time as captain was short-lived and he was replaced by Babar Azam once again.
The situation further deteriorated after the T20 World Cup 2024, where Babar performance as captain came under intense scrutiny. This scrutiny has only intensified following Pakistan’s recent dismal performance in the Test series against Bangladesh, which culminated in a humiliating 10-wicket defeat on home soil.
The frequent captaincy changes and disappointing performances have only exacerbated the existing issues within the team, with Babar Azam leadership now facing increased criticism. The instability and poor results have cast a shadow over Pakistan cricketing fortunes, leaving fans and analysts questioning the future direction of the team.
Bangladesh Script History With 10-Wicket Win after Pakistan Collapse to 146 All Out in 1st test
Bangladesh achieved a landmark victory on the final day of the first Test against Pakistan, overcoming a turbulent political climate at home to secure a historic 10-wicket win on Sunday. This result marks Bangladesh’s first Test victory over Pakistan in 14 encounters. Pakistan, having declared their first innings at 448-6, faced a significant challenge as Bangladesh built a 117-run lead. On the dramatic final day, Pakistan, resuming at 23-1 and still 94 runs behind, crumbled to 146 all out.
The Bangladesh spinners played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s downfall, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan taking seven wickets between them. Hasan, an off-spinner, claimed 4-21, while Shakib, a former lawmaker in Sheikh Hasina government, contributed 3-44. Their efforts followed a disciplined performance from the pace bowlers who had earlier dismantled Pakistan top order.
Bangladesh openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam saw them through to the end, reaching 30-0 by the tea interval. This win is only Bangladesh seventh Test victory abroad and their first since January 2022 when they triumphed against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui.
Pakistan downfall began earlier in the match. After declaring their first innings at a formidable 448-6, they found themselves conceding a 117-run deficit. On the final day, they resumed their second innings at 23-1 but were bowled out by a well-executed combination of pace and spin. Bangladesh’s bowlers exploited the conditions effectively, dismissing Pakistan for a modest total. Mohammad Rizwan, who had scored a career-best unbeaten 171 in the first innings, top-scored with 51 in the second innings. many of his teammates fell to rash shots, often due to aggressive field placements by Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto.
In the dramatic first session of the final day, Bangladesh’s bowlers set the stage for victory as Pakistan slumped to 108-6, losing five wickets. Shan Masood, the Pakistan captain, was dismissed for 14, caught behind off Hasan bowling. Masood argued with on-field umpire Richard Kettleborough after being given out, having already been controversially dismissed in the first innings, but replays confirmed he had indeed edged the ball.
Hasan nearly had Babar Azam out for a duck twice in the game, but a dropped catch by wicketkeeper Litton Das off Babar’s first ball provided a reprieve. Babar, attempting to accelerate, hit three boundaries before being dismissed by fast bowler Nahid Rana for 22. Pakistan middle-order, including Saud Shakeel and Abdullah Shafique, faltered under pressure from the spinners. Shakeel was stumped off Shakib for a duck, while Shafique top-edged a catch to point, and Salman Ali Agha fell to Mehidy’s bowling.
Bangladesh maintained their pressure after the lunch break, with Mehidy claiming three more wickets. Rizwan’s resistance ended when he under-edged a sweep shot onto his stumps, and Mohammad Ali was dismissed leg before wicket. This defeat extends Pakistan’s poor run in Test cricket at home to five losses and four draws since their last victory against South Africa in Rawalpindi in 2021. Shan Masood.
who has now lost four successive Tests since becoming captain, acknowledged the need for improvement. We have to look upon the mistakes we’ve made collectively and work on them,” he said. I apologize to the whole nation and hope we will do much better in the next game. The second Test, rescheduled from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to ongoing construction at the National Bank Stadium will begin next Friday.
Shan Masood Explains Decision Behind Picking Four Pacers
Pakistan bowling attack in the first Test featured four fast bowlers—Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali—with no specialist spinners in the mix. In contrast, Bangladesh fielded six spin options is which proved decisive. The Bangladesh spinners took nine wickets, including seven in the second innings, as Pakistan was dismissed for a mere 146 runs—its lowest total against Bangladesh.
After the match, Pakistan captain Shan Masood acknowledged a misjudgment in their pitch strategy. We underestimated how the pitch would play, Masood said. The recent weather in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to including 8-9 days of rain before the Test and the affected our expectations. We anticipated more seam movement, but the pitch didn’t behave as a expected and our pace bowlers were stretched to their limits. we got it wrong The second and final Test will be take place at the same venue on August 30.
Shaheen Afridi Hits Massive Six Off Shakib Al Hasan in PAK vs BAN 1st Test
Pakistan declared their innings at 448 runs after Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl in the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Despite a brief top-order collapse, Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel rescued the innings with a solid 98-run partnership. Ayub scored a half-century and Shakeel played a crucial role, amassing 141 runs off 261 balls. Following Ayub dismissal, Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan combined for a remarkable 280-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Rizwan remained unbeaten with 171 runs, while Shaheen Afridi added vital lower-order runs with a quick 29 not out from 24 balls, including one boundary and two sixes.
Afridi aggressive approach against the Bangladesh spinners was evident, especially in his clash with veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. In the 109th over of Pakistan’s innings, with Salman Ali Agha dismissed, Afridi faced Shakib, who adjusted his length as Afridi advanced. Despite the ball being wide of off-stump, Afridi hammered it for a six straight over Shakib’s head, showcasing his aggressive intent and power.
