286/10 (115.4)
CR : 2.47
330/10 (114.4)
CR : 2.88
Pakistan won by 8 wickets
Player of the Match
Abid Ali
133(282) & 91(148)
PAK won by 8 wickets
Arya: It proved to be a relatively straightforward run-chase for Pakistan as they go 1-0 up in the two-match Test series after the comprehensive 8 wickets victory. They have now leapfrogged India at the No 2 position in the latest ICC WTC points table 2021-23 cycle. It was exceptional batting by the openers yet again. Both Abid Ali and Abdullah Shafique showed great application and batted with grit and determination to defy the Bangladesh bowlers.
It was a long vigil for both the batters and in the process they played some delightful shots taking Pakistan close to the victory target. With 51 runs adrift of the victory target, Pakistan lost their first wicket in the form of Abdullah Shafique as Mehidy Hasan accounted for his wicket with a brilliant delivery which just went out with the angle.
In came Azhar Ali and the duo batted sensibly to take Pakistan near the target before Abid Ali was dismissed by an arm ball from Taijul Islam. However, that was all too little too late. Bangladesh tried to exert some pressure but with so many wickets in hand, it was always going to be a tall ask for the home team. Eventually, they chased the target down with 8 wickets left. Azhar Ali struck the winning runs to seal the deal for the visiting team.
It was a long vigil for both the batters and in the process they played some delightful shots taking Pakistan close to the victory target. With 51 runs adrift of the victory target, Pakistan lost their first wicket in the form of Abdullah Shafique as Mehidy Hasan accounted for his wicket with a brilliant delivery which just went out with the angle.
In came Azhar Ali and the duo batted sensibly to take Pakistan near the target before Abid Ali was dismissed by an arm ball from Taijul Islam. However, that was all too little too late. Bangladesh tried to exert some pressure but with so many wickets in hand, it was always going to be a tall ask for the home team. Eventually, they chased the target down with 8 wickets left. Azhar Ali struck the winning runs to seal the deal for the visiting team.
Arya: The match was all about ebbs and flows as both teams had their moments all through the match with Pakistan sealing the crucial moments to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. After batting first, Bangladesh was on the mat on Day 1 as the Pakistan bowlers reduced them to 49/4 before a magnificent double-century partnership between Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim got Bangladesh right back into the game.
Both the batsmen played with exceptional grit and determination and despite the consistent fall of wickets in the initial stages, they weathered the storm really well and took Bangladesh to a position of comfort. A century of the highest order from Liton Das laid the foundation for Bangladesh while the former Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim scored a brilliant 91. However, the Bangladesh batters again fell like a pack of cards after their dismissals and were bowled out for just 330. For Pakistan Hasan Ali was the pick of the bowlers with a five wicket haul.
Pakistan needed a steady start in response to a significant total and the openers didn't disappoint. Abid Ali and Abdullah Shafique showed resilience at the top of the order and had answers for anything that came their way. The Bangladesh bowlers tried everything but to no avail as the duo notched up a 146 runs partnership before Bangladesh staged a dramatic comeback, bagging a cluster of wickets to push Pakistan to the backfoot.
Both the batsmen played with exceptional grit and determination and despite the consistent fall of wickets in the initial stages, they weathered the storm really well and took Bangladesh to a position of comfort. A century of the highest order from Liton Das laid the foundation for Bangladesh while the former Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim scored a brilliant 91. However, the Bangladesh batters again fell like a pack of cards after their dismissals and were bowled out for just 330. For Pakistan Hasan Ali was the pick of the bowlers with a five wicket haul.
Pakistan needed a steady start in response to a significant total and the openers didn't disappoint. Abid Ali and Abdullah Shafique showed resilience at the top of the order and had answers for anything that came their way. The Bangladesh bowlers tried everything but to no avail as the duo notched up a 146 runs partnership before Bangladesh staged a dramatic comeback, bagging a cluster of wickets to push Pakistan to the backfoot.
Arya: It was left-arm spinner Taijul Islam who wreaked havoc bagging wickets after wickets as the Pakistan batters had no clue in front of his guile and mastery. He bowled quite brilliantly and made sure Bangladesh got a significant lead of 44 runs despite conceding 146 runs opening partnership. Barring Faheem Ashraf none of the Pakistan middle-order or lower middle order could get going as they were bowled out of 286.
Come the second innings, the rising star of Pakistan made light work of the Bangladesh top order. Bowling with hostility and venom, Shaheen Shah Afridi reduced Bangladesh to 15/3 bowling some top-class deliveries and the top order had no answers whatsoever. Yet again it was Liton Das who gave a good account of himself and along with debutant Yasir Ali Chowdhury made sure Bangladesh again got back on track.
However, a blow on the head for Yasir Ali changed the complexion of the match. He was forced to be substituted with Nurul Hasan due to the blow on the head. He looked in exceptional touch during his knock of 36 before the unforeseen circumstances forced him to head back to the pavilion. Eventually Bangladesh could only muster 157 in the second innings. Shaheen Afridi was the pick of the bowlers in the second innings with a five wicket haul.
Come the second innings, the rising star of Pakistan made light work of the Bangladesh top order. Bowling with hostility and venom, Shaheen Shah Afridi reduced Bangladesh to 15/3 bowling some top-class deliveries and the top order had no answers whatsoever. Yet again it was Liton Das who gave a good account of himself and along with debutant Yasir Ali Chowdhury made sure Bangladesh again got back on track.
However, a blow on the head for Yasir Ali changed the complexion of the match. He was forced to be substituted with Nurul Hasan due to the blow on the head. He looked in exceptional touch during his knock of 36 before the unforeseen circumstances forced him to head back to the pavilion. Eventually Bangladesh could only muster 157 in the second innings. Shaheen Afridi was the pick of the bowlers in the second innings with a five wicket haul.
Bangladesh skipper Mominul Haque - [on where did we go wrong] - We were undone in the first session on first day, lost wickets early. Mushy and Liton did well to get us back into the game. In the second innings, we needed 100 more runs on the board to exert pressure on Pakistan. They are a quality opposition. Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi troubled us with their pace and good line and lengths.
The MVP of the match goes to Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Abid Ali bags the Player of the Match award.
Abid Ali "Our thought process was to stay at the wicket and put up a partnership. Playing domestic cricket has helped me a lot. Obviously, Shafique played extremely well and he used to pass me some advice when I was going through a rough patch in the match. A bit disappointed in missing out on the century"
Babar Azam "The way Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled was exceptional. This is the beauty of Test cricket that you get chances to make a comeback. We got only two days break and we managed it quite well. Definitely, the way the debutant, Shafique played was outstanding to get the team out of difficult situations"
So that's goodbye from me, Anurag, and my partners Tushar, Arya and Chandan from the comm box. Do switch tabs to the West Indies vs Sri Lanka second Test that is taking a very exciting turn. Once again, Goodbye and Take care!!