Bangladesh etched their name in the history books by securing their first-ever home Test triumph over Pakistan, defeating the visitors by 104 runs on Tuesday at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The victory gave them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Chasing a target of 268, Pakistan were bowled out for 163 in their second innings. The win marked a memorable milestone for Bangladesh in Test cricket, as it also extended their winning streak against Pakistan to three consecutive matches. Bangladesh had previously whitewashed Pakistan 2-0 in a Test series in Pakistan in 2024.
This result lifted Bangladesh to sixth place in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings, with a points percentage of 44.44, moving past both Pakistan and England. Pakistan, meanwhile, slipped to seventh with a points percentage of 33.33 from three matches (one win, two losses), ahead of England and the West Indies.
Bangladesh had posted 413 in their first innings, then declared their second innings at 240 for 9. Pakistan replied with 386 in their first innings but faltered in the final innings.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was named Player of the Match for his century in the first innings (101 off 130 balls) and a vital 87 in the second innings. For Pakistan, Azan Awais scored a century in the first innings, while Mohammad Rizwan (59) and Salman Ali Agha (58) contributed half-centuries.
Bangladesh’s bowlers dominated the final day, wrapping up the match comfortably. Speaking after the match, an elated Shanto praised the collective effort and hard work of the team over recent months. “Very happy. Proud of all the guys, the way we played. We have been working hard for the last few months,” he said.
Shanto noted the team’s gradual improvement in Test cricket and explained the decision to bat first after winning the toss, given a quality bowling attack. He credited the bowling unit led by Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, and Taijul Islam, as well as senior batters Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim for their contributions on a challenging pitch.
“Today we’ll enjoy ourselves, and then we’ll have to assess conditions in Sylhet and plan for how to play there,” Shanto added.
Bangladesh now turn their attention to the second and final Test against Pakistan in Sylhet, starting on May 16.