Bangladesh secure historic first home Test victory over Pakistan

Bangladesh have secured a commanding 104-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test match played in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. The win gives Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and marks their first home Test triumph against Pakistan. This result signifies a significant shift in red-ball cricket dynamics between the two nations.

The match was rain-affected but concluded on the final day with a dramatic collapse by Pakistan. Bangladesh posted a strong total built around Najmul Hossain Shanto's 87 runs, setting a target of 268 that looked increasingly challenging on a wearing pitch. Pakistan's chase had started cautiously after losing Imam-ul-Haq before lunch, but the visitors briefly rebuilt their innings through debutant Abdullah Fazal, who scored 66 runs.

The momentum shifted decisively once Fazal was trapped lbw by Taijul Islam, confirmed on review. Salman Ali Agha followed in the very next over, edging to slip, which shifted momentum firmly in Bangladesh's favour. Pakistan eventually reached 163 all out while chasing 268, unable to capitalise on the brief resurgence provided by the debutant.

Nahid Rana claimed five wickets to dismantle Pakistan's chase, returning with devastating effect after conceding runs early. His spell included a 147 kph delivery that dismissed Mohammad Rizwan, highlighting his growing reputation as Bangladesh's emerging pace leader. He removed Saud Shakeel, Hasan Ali, Noman Ali, and Shaheen Afridi to complete the match-defining spell.

This result marks Bangladesh's third consecutive Test win over the visitors and underlines a new era of confidence in their red-ball cricket. The victory was secured despite the rain interruption, with the final session seeing five wickets fall as the visitors' resistance crumbled almost immediately following the early breakthroughs.