Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 104 runs in the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on 12 May, extending their remarkable recent dominance over their Asian rivals. Pace bowler Nahid Rana claimed career-defining figures of 5 for 40 in the final session to dismantle Pakistan's chase of 268, dismissing them for 163 and handing the hosts a 1-0 series lead.

This victory marks Bangladesh's third consecutive Test win against Pakistan — a dramatic turnaround from their winless record before 2024. More significantly, it is their first home Test victory over Pakistan, cementing a generational shift in the bilateral contest. The match unfolded as a tense five-day affair, with the outcome uncertain until Rana's explosive final-session intervention.

Pakistan's defiant resistance crumbles

Entering the final session, Pakistan required 152 runs with seven wickets remaining, and a draw remained a genuine possibility. Debutant Abdullah Fazal proved the primary obstacle, batting with maturity and composure on a surface marked by uneven bounce and sharp turn. His unbeaten approach, combined with a critical 48-run partnership with Salman Ali Agha for the fourth wicket, sustained Pakistan's hopes as bad light loomed.

The breakthrough came immediately after tea when veteran spinner Taijul Islam delivered a sharply turning delivery that trapped Fazal lbw. Although umpire Richard Kettleborough initially rejected the appeal, Bangladesh's successful review — confirmed by ball-tracking showing three reds — shifted momentum decisively.

The dismissal triggered a swift collapse. In the next over, Taskin Ahmed removed Salman Ali Agha, who edged a wide delivery to slip fielders. The contest then tilted entirely in Bangladesh's favour.

Rana's match-defining spell

Nahid Rana returned to the attack and produced a spell that redefined the match trajectory. Earlier in Pakistan's innings, the pace bowler had been expensive, but he regained his rhythm at the critical juncture with devastating effect.

He extracted an edge from Saud Shakeel with a delivery that straightened outside off stump, then bowled a stunning nip-backer that Mohammad Rizwan completely misjudged while shouldering arms — the ball shattered the stumps. Taijul Islam then trapped Hasan Ali lbw before Rana finished the innings in style, removing Noman Ali following another successful review and having Shaheen Afridi caught.

Bangladesh's second-innings foundation

The hosts' victory was built on a competitive second-innings total of 240 for 9 declared, constructed after adding 88 runs in the morning session. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto played the anchor role with a fluent 87, while Mominul Haque contributed 56. Hasan Ali claimed 3 for 52 but could not prevent Bangladesh from building a commanding lead.

Fazal's debut distinction

Pakistan's chase began poorly when Imam-ul-Haq edged Taskin Ahmed to slip before lunch. Fazal then launched an aggressive counter-attack in the afternoon session, striking boundaries against both Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rana. His eventual score of 66 made him only the sixth Pakistani batter to score fifties in both innings on Test debut — a rare achievement that underscored his composure despite the match situation.

What's next

The series now shifts to the second Test, with Bangladesh holding a significant psychological and competitive advantage. Pakistan will need to regroup and address their bowling vulnerabilities, particularly in managing Bangladesh's accelerated scoring patterns. For Bangladesh, the focus will be consolidating their momentum and avoiding complacency.