Bangladesh destroy Pakistan with Nahid Rana’s speed storm

The wicket of Sher-e-Bangla Stadium was bathed in the magical light of the afternoon, but for the Pakistani batsmen, that light turned into pitch darkness. The storm of speed that Nahid Rana created sent Pakistan’s batting lineup flying like straw. Nazmul Hossain Shanto’s team took a 1-0 lead in the series with a huge 104-run victory in the Mirpur Test.

Chasing a target of 268 runs, Pakistan were bowled out for just 163 runs by Rana and Tobin. The young pacer took 5 wickets for 40 runs in one of the best spells of his career.

Pakistan is burning under the fire of Rana

Just as Pakistan were dreaming of a win in the final session of the day, Nahid Rana appeared on the scene. The highlight of the day was bowling Mohammad Rizwan with a venomous in-swinger at 147 kmph. Earlier, he had guided Saud Shakeel to the pavilion by trapping Liton. Rana completed his five-wicket haul by bowling Shaheen Shah Afridi with a bouncer in the last over to secure a historic win for Bangladesh.

Turning point

When Pakistan were struggling at 116 for 3 before the tea break, it seemed like the match could go either way. But after the break, Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed changed the scenario. Pakistan’s innings collapsed when Taijul trapped the settled Abdullah Fazal (66) lbw. Taskin cleared the way for victory by removing Salman Agha for 26.

Shanta’s captaincy innings

The foundation for victory was laid in the morning. Bangladesh scored 240 runs in the second innings, riding on a fighting innings of 87 runs by captain Nazmul Hossain Shanta. Although the Tigers lost some quick wickets in the middle to Noman Ali’s spin, the target of 268 runs was eventually equal for Pakistan.

Bangladesh’s bowling dominance was a sight to behold. Taskin Ahmed provided the breakthrough in the pace attack, while Taijul and Mehedi Hasan Miraj maintained control in the middle overs. However, Nahid Rana completely owned the day. The visitors basically surrendered to his pace.

Brief scores:
Bangladesh: 1st innings 122 and 2nd innings 240/9 (dec.) (Shant 87, Miraj 24; Noman 5/99)
Pakistan: 1st innings 94 and 2nd innings 163/10 (Fazal 66, Salman 26; Nahid Rana 5/40, Taijul 3/43)
Result: Bangladesh won by 104 runs.