Taijul Islam's six-wicket haul of 6-120 powered Bangladesh to a 78-run victory over Pakistan on 20 May at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, completing a historic 2-0 Test series whitewash. It is the first time Bangladesh have swept a home Test series against Pakistan, and it extends their unbeaten run against the visitors to four consecutive Test matches.

How the Final Day Unfolded

Pakistan resumed day five needing to chase down a mammoth target of 436, with the match briefly interrupted by rain. Mohammad Rizwan and Sajid Khan offered resistance, putting together a 50-plus partnership that pushed Pakistan beyond 350 and briefly raised hopes of an unlikely heist.

Taijul broke the stand by dismissing Sajid Khan for 28 off 36 balls. Shoriful Islam then removed a well-set Rizwan, who departed for 94 off 166 balls — the highest score of Pakistan's second innings. Taijul wrapped up the tail by clean-bowling Khurram Shahzad for a duck, ending Pakistan's innings at 358 and sealing the match.

Bangladesh's Route to a 436-Run Target

Bangladesh posted 278 in their first innings, anchored by a century from Litton Das. Pakistan replied with 232 in 57.4 overs — Babar Azam top-scoring with 68 and Sajid Khan contributing 38 lower down the order. Nahid Rana and Taijul took three wickets each for the hosts, giving Bangladesh a 46-run first-innings lead.

In their second innings, Bangladesh added 390 more runs, with Mushfiqur Rahim scoring a commanding 137 and Litton Das contributing 69. Khurram Shahzad was Pakistan's most effective bowler, claiming 4 for 86. The total set Pakistan a target of 437 — a chase that ultimately proved beyond the Salman Agha-led side.

Pakistan's Collapse Despite Bright Patches

Pakistan's second-innings chase began shakily, with openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais both departing early. Babar Azam and Shan Masood steadied the ship with a 92-run partnership before Taijul dismissed Babar for 47. Saud Shakeel managed just 6, leaving Pakistan at 154-4.

Shan Masood made a composed 71 before falling to Taijul. Rizwan and Salman Agha then forged a crucial 134-run partnership to push Pakistan past 200, but Taijul broke that stand too, removing Salman for 71. Hasan Ali was also Taijul's victim as Pakistan closed day four at 316-7, before the final two wickets fell on the last morning.

Historic Milestones for Bangladesh Cricket

Prior to 2024, Bangladesh had never defeated Pakistan in a Test match. This series sweep represents their fourth consecutive Test victory over Pakistan and, notably, their first home Test series win against them. The result also marks Bangladesh's fourth successive Test series victory overall — an unprecedented run in their cricketing history.

The win carries ICC World Test Championship implications: Bangladesh have climbed above India into fifth place in the standings. With momentum firmly on their side, Bangladesh will be a formidable prospect for any side visiting Sylhet in the near future.

Brief Scores: Bangladesh 278 & 390 (Mushfiqur Rahim 137, Litton Das 69; Khurram Shahzad 4-86) beat Pakistan 232 & 358 (Mohammad Rizwan 94, Salman Agha 71; Taijul Islam 6-120) by 78 runs.