Bangladesh cricket team continued their remarkable journey in Pakistan, securing a second consecutive Test match victory to win the series 2-0. This triumph marked the first time Bangladesh completed a clean sweep against an Asian team on their home soil, a feat that will be remembered by Pakistan and cricket enthusiasts for years to come. Historically, Bangladesh has struggled in Test cricket away from home, with their only previous series sweep in the format coming against the West Indies in 2009.
Pakistan, eager to rebound after a crushing 10-wicket defeat in the first Test, fell short once again in the second match. Persistent batting and bowling issues plagued the hosts, leading to their second Test series sweep at home in just three years. Pakistan had previously endured a 0-3 whitewash at home during England’s 2022 tour.
In the second Test, Pakistan initially posted a total of 274/10 in the first innings, thanks to half-centuries from Saim Ayyub, Shan Masood, and Agha Salman. However, key players like Babar Azam (31), Abdullah Shafique (0), Saud Shakeel (16), and Mohammad Rizwan (29) failed to make significant contributions.
Bangladesh’s response began poorly, losing 6 wickets for just 26 runs. However, Litton Das played a crucial counter-attacking innings, scoring a century that lifted Bangladesh to a total of 262 before being bowled out. In Pakistan’s second innings, Bangladesh’s bowlers performed admirably, dismissing Pakistan for just 172, with Hasan Mahmud taking a five-wicket haul.
Despite a few setbacks, Bangladesh comfortably chased down the target of 185 runs with six wickets in hand. This historic win cemented their place in cricket history as the first Asian team to sweep a Test series in Pakistan.
Litton Das, the Player of the Match, reflected on the victory, saying he believed in himself even when Pakistan bowled well during a difficult spell. He praised his teammates, particularly Hasan Mahmud, for their outstanding performances and credited the team’s hard work and collective effort for the historic win.
Pakistan undoubtedly missed the presence of their star pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who withdrew from the match due to the birth of his son. The defeat against Bangladesh will be remembered as a significant low point in Pakistan’s cricket history.
