Bangladesh concede 8-wicket defeat against Pakistan in 1st Test

Bangladesh conceded an eight-wicket defeat against Pakistan in the first Test at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here today (November 30).

The hosts failed to show any miracle on day five as the visitors easily chased down 202-run target set.

The Test victory was almost certain for Pakistan when they ended the fourth day on 109 for no loss, leaving them needing just 93 runs to seal the deal on day five. They took just two hours to grab the victory on day five to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Opener Abid Ali missed out a back-to-back century by nine runs and that was only scar Bangladesh could do for Pakistan.

Abid Ali and debutant Abdullah Shafique built a 151-run partnership for the opening stand, their second consecutive 100-plus stand in the match to edge Pakistan closer to victory.

Abid, who hit 133 in the first innings, struck 12 boundaries for his 91 off 148 in this innings. Abid was awarded man of match honour for his role in the game.

Shafique followed his 52 with 73 off 129, studded by eight fours and one six, before offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz had him dismissed lbw to give Bangladesh a breakthrough on the fifty day.

Resuming the fifth day, Pakistan openers appeared to be in full control until Miraz struck but the breakthrough came in late when Pakistan was close to the win.

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam also had Abid Ali out via leg-before, baffling him with a sharp turn. Desperate Abid Ali who was playing down the wrong line reviewed the decision in vain.

Azhar Ali and captain Babar Azam then completed the inevitable with the former hitting consecutive boundaries off Miraz to sign off the game.

Azhar was unbeaten on 24 and Azam was on 13.

Thanks to a maiden century from Liton Das, Bangladesh piled up 330 in its first innings. Taijul Islam claimed 7-116 as Pakistan was bowled out for 286 to hand Bangladesh a 44-run lead.

But fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi returned figures of 5-32 to wrap up Bangladesh’s second innings for 157, that set a 202-run target for the visitors.

The second Test is scheduled to be held in Dhaka from December 4-8.