Amid political unrest back home, Bangladesh created Test history as they defeated Pakistan by 10 wickets in the first of the two-match series in the World Test Championship (WTC) in Rawalpindi on Sunday (August 25).

Bangladesh completed their first-ever Test win over Pakistan, in their 14th contest between the sides. In the previous 13, Pakistan had won 12 and the other was a draw.

Pakistan’s batting collapsed on the fifth and final day of the Test after having started the day at 23/1. The hosts were bowled out for 146 in their second innings and Bangladesh needed just 30 to achieve a famous win, which they did without losing a wicket.

Barring Mohammad Rizwan (51) rest of the batters faltered. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the pick of the bowlers with 4/21 in 11.5 overs.

Earlier, batting first, Pakistan declared their first innings at 448/6 while Bangladesh made 565 in reply with Mushfiqur Rahim scoring a match-winning 191.

The second Test will take place between August 30 and September 3 at Karachi.

Bangladesh skipper hails ‘special victory’

Meanwhile, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hasan Shanto described his team’s win as a “special one” in the given circumstances the country is going through.

“It was a very important win for us because last month we had a difficult situation in Bangladesh. There are still some problems there but in Bangladesh we support each other and I am happy this win gives them a little bit of a smile on their faces,” he said at the post-match conference.

“We are happy with our performance and we just want to give more joy to our people in the second match as well. It was a special victory for us especially given how we adjusted to the hot conditions and pitch here,” Shanto added.

Shanto said they were confident of winning the match coming into the final day as the pitch was becoming difficult and his team had some experienced spinners and good seamers.

“I think Shakib and Miraz bowled very well today given the conditions and we knew that with a 90-run advantage Pakistan would be under pressure on the final day,” he said.

Shanto said the key to the win was the strong batting display in the first innings.

“Mushfiq bhai played an outstanding innings but overall I think everyone contributed and it was a big team effort. I am happy that all the hard work we put into preparing for this series we have now ticked all the boxes in this match,” he said.

The Bangladesh team reached Pakistan a few days earlier for the series because of the uncertain situation back home.

Asked by a journalist about what senior pro Shakib was going through in the team because of his problems back home, Shanto said what the all-rounder was facing were his personal issues but as a senior team member he is always contributing.