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| Rana, left, celebrates with his Bangladesh teammates after winning the first Test (AP) |
Nahid Rana Destroys Pakistan With Five-Wicket Spell
Nahid Rana starred with a brilliant five-wicket haul as Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 104 runs in the first Test in Dhaka, securing their first-ever home Test victory against Pakistan.
The young fast bowler finished with career-best figures of 5-40, leading Bangladesh to a famous win in the rain-affected match.
Pakistan Collapse During 268-Run Chase
Chasing a target of 268 on the final day, Pakistan appeared in control at 119-3 before suffering a dramatic batting collapse.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 163 in the final session as Bangladesh’s pace attack dominated on a deteriorating pitch.
Debutant Abdullah Fazal fought hard with a courageous 66 runs, while Salman Agha added 26, but Pakistan failed to survive Rana’s fiery spell.
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| Bangladesh's Nahid Rana was the difference-maker on the fifth day of the first Test cricket match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on May 12, 2026 AFP] |
Rana’s Deadly Spell Turns Match Around
Nahid Rana changed the game completely with a devastating final spell of 4 wickets for just 10 runs in 4.5 overs.
One of the standout moments came when Rana bowled Mohammad Rizwan with a 147 km/h in-swinging yorker, described as the ball of the match.
He later dismissed Saud Shakeel, Noman Ali, and Shaheen Shah Afridi to seal Bangladesh’s historic victory.
Bangladesh Take 1-0 Lead in Test Series
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto praised his team after the victory, saying Bangladesh had been improving steadily in Test cricket over recent months.
The win also saw Shanto equal Mushfiqur Rahim’s record of seven Test victories as Bangladesh captain.
Bangladesh now lead the two-match Test series 1-0, with the second Test scheduled to begin in Sylhet on Saturday.
Pakistan Captain Admits Team Failed in Key Moments
Pakistan captain Shan Masood admitted his side failed to capitalize on important moments during the match.
He said Pakistan needed to perform better with both bat and ball after allowing Bangladesh back into the contest.