The Pakistani team seems to be going from bad to worse in every series they play, notwithstanding the format. Returning to Test cricket after a substantial break, hosts Bangladesh went on to beat Pakistanis by 104 runs on Tuesday, at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. Chasing 268 on the final day, the Shan Masood-led side faltered on a crumbling wicket, and were bundled out for a mere 163.
Bangladesh too good for Pakistan
Just to set the record straight, this is the third successive loss for PAK, against BAN, in as many matches, which only goes on to show, how much the team has declined in a couple of decades of constant malfunctioning. This spate of losses have also shown how rapidly BAN has grown in stature in Tests, at least at home. In fact, in their very last series against Pakistan in their home, they beat them 2-0. This flip of record has happened after years of misery. PAK had never lost until 2024. But now the overall head-to-head stands at 12-3.
Ordinary all around
As far as the match is concerned, the first blow to the visitors came, when Babar Azam was withdrawn due to an injury concern. He was in great form, and had finished as the highest run getter in PSL 2026 a couple of weeks back. Nonetheless, Pakistan opted to bowl first, on a wicket that seemed to possess some help for the bowlers.
But after a couple of early wickets, their batters settled down, and posted 413 in the first innings. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 101, while Mominul Haque missed out with 91, and Mushfiqur Rahim got 71. Here Mohammad Abbas got a fifer for his team. In reply, Pakistan were bundled out for 386, when at one stage they were 349/5.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered the goods, to trap Pakistanis in his spin web. Come the third innings, it was Shanto and Mominul again, who with their fifties changed the course of the match. They had a partnership of 105, which gave a sizeable lead to the hosts. Meanwhile, the last innings looked like a mere formality from BAN.
Pakistan batters fell like a pack of cards — with only Abdullah Fazal (66) showing some resistance. Rest, no one could cross even 30. This time pacer Nahid Rana returned with a fifer. This also helped BAN to climb to 6th position in WTC points table.
