Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 6 wickets, complete series whitewash

There were no heroics on the final day of Bangladesh’s second Test against Pakistan. Nor was there any need for them.

After Mir Hamza bowled out Zakir Hasan (40) and Khurram Shahzad picked up the wicket of Shadman Islam (24) early on Tuesday, there must have been some concern of another batting collapse. The Tigers have had more than their fair share over the years.

But, thankfully, the nerves did not affect the players. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (38) and Mominul Haque (34) played steadily, picking up runs where they could.

By the time they lost their wickets, Bangladesh were knocking on the doors of a historic win, bdnews24.com reports.

Veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan closed out a dramatic back-and-forth match in rather quiet fashion to win by six wickets.

Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field. A 5-63 performance from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and a three-wicket haul from Taskin Ahmed restricted Pakistan to 274 in the first innings.

But when it was their turn to bat, the top order withered in the face of Khurram Shahzad, who picked up six wickets for 90 runs. At one point, the Tigers were at 26-6 and it seemed that Pakistan would have their revenge for the first Test.

But powerhouse performances from Litton Das (138) and Mehidy (78) pulled the Tigers back from the brink, and took them only 12 runs short of Pakistan’s total at 262.

The Bangladesh bowling attack came roaring out of the gate in the second innings with youngsters Hasan Mahmud (5-43) and Nahid Rana (4-44) making their mark and picking up nine wickets between them to peg the hosts to only 172.

Bangladesh needed an eminently reasonable 185 runs to win the match and complete the sweep of the Test series.

A bit of luck in the field and some calm batting helped the Tigers seal the historic win.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin sent his congratulations to the team after the historic win. He also expressed his hope that the national team would continue this form going forward in all formats of the game.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, called captain Shanto by phone immediately after the match.

“Heartiest congratulations on behalf of the government and myself. The whole nation is proud of you,” he said.

The Tigers will be accorded a reception after they return home, he said.