Bangladesh national cricket team moved within touching distance of a memorable victory over Pakistan national cricket team in the opening Test in Mirpur after setting Pakistan a challenging fourth-innings target of 287 runs.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto played a crucial knock of 87 in the second innings, helping the hosts build a competitive lead despite regular wickets falling around him.
Pakistan spinner Noman Ali achieved a major personal milestone during the match, becoming the oldest cricketer to complete 100 Test wickets at the age of 39.
Bangladesh’s bowlers then tightened control of the contest late on the final day, leaving Pakistan requiring 262 more runs with nine wickets in hand at one stage before the hosts continued to chip away at the batting order.
Fast bowler Nahid Rana emerged as a standout performer, producing a decisive spell that pushed Bangladesh towards what could become another landmark Test victory over Pakistan.
The match also featured a strong debut innings from Pakistan batter Azan Awais, whose century helped Pakistan recover earlier in the contest after Bangladesh posted a first-innings total of 413.
Bangladesh entered the series with growing confidence following recent improvements in Test cricket and now aims to continue its strong run against Pakistan in the longest format.
