Bangladesh lost the bilateral Test series to Pakistan 2-0 after losing the second match by an innings and 8 runs at the SBNCS in Mirpur on Wednesday (December 8). Bangladesh's batting performance was disappointing, particularly in the first innings. They made a big effort in the second innings to save the contest, putting in some promising performances. However, Pakistan completed the whitewash by taking all of Bangladesh's wickets in the third session of the fifth day. Let's take a look at the best performers in the BAN vs PAK Test Series 2021.    

BAN vs PAK Test Series 2021: Top Performers

Bangladesh's top-order batting performance was the most disappointing in the series, but the middle order looked solid. On the other hand, Pakistan's openers were the most successful among the batters in the series. Additionally, Pakistan's bowling unit was the most disciplined of the two teams.

Batting

Pakistan's opener Abid Ali was the most effective batter in the series. He struck two crucial knocks in the first Test, giving Pakistan a 1-0 series lead. Abid's opening partner, Abdullah Shafique also contributed well with the bat in the series opener. The most successful batters from Bangladesh were Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das. These two formed two crucial partnerships in the first innings of the first Test and the second innings of the second Test. However, Bangladesh lost both matches despite their efforts.  

Top 3 Most Runs

Abid Ali: Inn: 3 | Runs: 263 | Ave: 87.66 | 100s: 1

Liton Das: Inn: 4 | Runs: 224 | Ave: 56.00 | 100s: 1

Mushfiqur Rahim: Inn: 4 | Runs: 160 | Ave: 40.00 | 100s: 0

Top 3 High Scores

Abid Ali: Runs: 133 (282 balls)

Liton Das: Runs: 114 (233 balls)

Mushfiqur Rahim: Runs: 91 (225 balls)  

Bowling

Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan and Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam had two impressive performances among the bowlers. Sajid took 8 wickets in the second Test's first innings, while Taijul Islam took 7 wickets in the first Test's first innings. In comparison to Bangladesh bowlers, Pakistan bowlers were more accurate and outstanding throughout the series. Particularly, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali bowled with pinpoint accuracy and exhibited how to set up a batter to pick his wicket. On the other hand, Bangladesh's pacers lacked variation and didn't appear to be looking for wickets.

Top 3 Most Wickets  

Sajid Khan: Inn: 4 | Wickets: 16 | Ave: 15.00 | 5W: 1

Shaheen Shah Afridi: Inn: 4 | Wickets: 10 | Ave: 13.60 | 5W: 1

Taijul Islam: Inn: 3 | Wickets: 10 | Ave: 27.80 | 5W: 1

Top 3 Best Bowling Figures

Sajid Khan: 15-4-42-8 (BBI)

Taijul Islam: 44.4-9-116-7 (BBI)

Shaheen Shah Afridi: 15-8-32-5 (BBI) 

Way Forward

Bangladesh's overall performance in the BAN vs PAK Test Series 2021 was utterly disappointing, With the exception of a few standout individual performances. Bangladesh's top-order batters must improve their technique to play better in the forthcoming New Zealand series. Because New Zealand pitches will offer extra bounce and pace. Therefore, batting will be more difficult on those surfaces. Besides, Bangladesh's fast bowlers must develop their ability to take wickets on barren pitches, otherwise desired outcomes in the Test format will be impossible. On the other hand, Pakistani players did everything right throughout the contest. They excelled at both batting and bowling. Pakistan gained a total of 24 Test Championship points from the series.