Pakistan’s cricket team suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test match in Rawalpindi. The loss marks Bangladesh’s maiden victory over Pakistan in five-day cricket.
Bangladesh’s spinners, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan, played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s collapse. Mehidy claimed 4-21, while Shakib took 3-44, dismissing Pakistan for a mere 146 runs in 55.5 overs.
Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled on a pitch that had been unresponsive for the first four days. However, small cracks began to appear, which Bangladesh’s spinners exploited effectively. The hosts also faced criticism for not including a frontline spinner in their team.
Pakistan’s leading batsmen, Babar Azam and Shan Masood, failed to make significant contributions, scoring only 22 and 14 runs, respectively. First-innings century-maker Saud Shakeel was dismissed for a fourth-ball duck.
Bangladesh’s victory was a historic moment for the team, as it marked their first win over Australia, England, and Pakistan. The win in Rawalpindi was only their sixth in 143 Tests.
Pakistan’s loss has raised concerns about the fitness of fast bowler Naseem Shah, who has been criticized for his “bulging belly.” Social media users have questioned his fitness and suggested that he may not be taking his training seriously.
Pakistan skipper Shan Masood expressed disappointment over the loss, stating that the team did not take Bangladesh lightly but the pitch did not play as expected. Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto dedicated the win to those who lost their lives in the recent political turmoil in Bangladesh.
The second and final Test match of the series will be played in Rawalpindi from Friday.
