A stunning late collapse in Dhaka handed Pakistan a 104-run defeat by Bangladesh in the opening Test on Tuesday, giving the hosts a 1-0 advantage in the two-match series. Nahid Rana’s five-wicket spell completely swung the contest, turning what looked like a competitive chase into a dramatic unraveling in the final session.
Pakistan’s chase: control, then a shift
Pakistan’s pursuit of 268 seemed to be going in their favour for long periods on the last day, particularly after Abdullah Fazal’s steady 66 helped them resist the Bangladesh attack. By the time tea was taken, Shan Masood’s team were still firmly in the hunt, sitting at three wickets down with a draw still within reach.
- Target for Pakistan: 268
- Tea score on Day 5: 3 wickets down, with the match effectively still alive
- Key innings: Abdullah Fazal made 66 to anchor Pakistan’s resistance
How Pakistan reached a strong position
Before the final-day wobble, Pakistan had stayed afloat through two partnerships of 50-plus runs. A crucial sixth-wicket stand between Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel added another 31, helping Pakistan post 152 for five and still require 116 more with plenty of batting left at that stage.
- Pakistan’s position before the collapse: 152 for five
- Runs required at that stage: 116
- Important partnership: Rizwan and Saud Shakeel contributed a 31-run stand for the sixth wicket
Controversial stump-mic moment
During that middle phase of the chase, a controversial stump mic incident involving Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton Das drew attention. In the audible exchange, Das appeared to target Rizwan with remarks suggesting Bangladesh were focusing on saving the Test rather than winning, while also questioning Rizwan’s standing back in Pakistan. The message included the claim that if Rizwan were to get out attempting a big shot, he would not be able to return to the country, pointing to how severe his reputation was described to be.
Final-session collapse and Rana’s five-for
After tea, Pakistan’s innings changed character almost immediately. From a relatively stable situation, they lost seven wickets in the final session for only 163, slipping under relentless pressure. Nahid Rana spearheaded the turnaround with figures of 5 for 40, taking four of the last five wickets to ensure Pakistan’s resistance fully broke down.
- Nahid Rana: 5 wickets for 40 runs
- Pakistan’s collapse after tea: 7 wickets in the final session for 163 runs
- Crucial wickets: Rana claimed four of the last five to finish Pakistan off
Match background: Pakistan fall short after rain-affected momentum
Earlier in the match, Pakistan had threatened Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 413 by posting 386. Rain on Days 3 and 4 disrupted momentum and reduced the amount of time available, shaping the rhythm of the contest. Bangladesh then closed their innings at 240 for 9, setting a target of 268 that ultimately created a tense final-day scenario.
- Bangladesh first innings: 413
- Pakistan first innings: 386
- Rain impact: Days 3 and 4 affected momentum and shortened game time
- Bangladesh declared: 240 for 9
- Final target set: 268
What the result means for both sides
The defeat delivered Pakistan’s first-ever Test loss in Bangladesh. Prior to this match, they had won seven of their eight games there, with one draw. It also underlined Bangladesh’s growing edge, marking their third successive Test win over Pakistan since the 2024 series victory.
- Pakistan’s first Test defeat in Bangladesh (previous record: 7 wins, 1 draw)
- Bangladesh’s streak: third consecutive Test win over Pakistan since 2024
- Pakistan join Zimbabwe as the only teams to lose three straight Tests against Bangladesh
- Next Test: second and final match in Sylhet on Saturday
Next up: series continues
With Pakistan now trailing 1-0, the focus shifts to the second Test in Sylhet on Saturday, where they will look to arrest their slide against Bangladesh.
