Express pacer Nahid Rana produced a devastating spell of fast bowling to claim 5-40, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup and securing a comprehensive 104-run victory for Bangladesh on the final day in Mirpur.
He took five wickets in just 9.5 overs. His five wickets for just 40 runs are now the best of his career.
The win marks Bangladesh’s third consecutive Test triumph against Pakistan, sealing a dominant performance at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Chasing a target of 268 on a rapidly deteriorating surface, Pakistan’s resolve crumbled under Rana’s raw pace and accuracy. The young quick utilized the afternoon heat to extract steep bounce and movement, leaving the visitors with no answers as they were bundled out for 163 in 52.5 overs.
Rana’s masterclass began in the morning session when he squared up Pakistan captain Shan Masood (2) with a delivery that straightened off the seam, forcing a thick outside edge to Litton Das. While Abdullah Fazal offered lone resistance with a gritty 66, Rana returned in the post-lunch session to clinical effect.
He broke a burgeoning partnership by inducing an edge from Saud Shakeel (15) before producing the delivery of the match to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan. The ball pitched outside off and jagged back prodigiously at 147 kph to rattle the stumps, leaving Rizwan stunned.
The victory was built on the foundation of a bold declaration by Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto earlier in the day.
Shanto, who missed a historic second century of the match by just 13 runs, declared the second innings at 240-9 shortly before lunch. His 87, combined with Mominul Haque’s 56, set a target that proved unreachable for a Pakistan side still reeling from their first-innings collapse.
The match reached its climax when Rana charged in for the final blow against Shaheen Shah Afridi. Digging in a fierce, rising short ball, Rana forced the tailender into a defensive tangle.
The ball clipped the glove and looped gently to the waiting hands of the short-leg fielder, sparking wild celebrations across the venue.
As the catch was taken, Rana sprinted toward his teammates to celebrate his five-wicket haul, cementing a 104-run win that underscored a notable power shift in the rivalry.
The second and final Test of the series will take place in Sylhet from May 16th.