The two-match test series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground, Pakistan, between Pakistan and Bangladesh saw the hosts face a humiliating defeat, much to the surprise of the cricketing world.
Bangladesh easily stormed through the powerhouse of Pakistan with a dominant and statement-setting performance. Despite the home advantage, the Pakistani team looked all over the place as they had no answers for whatever Bangladesh threw at them.
This is Bangladesh’s third test series win away from home, making it more significant. On the other hand, Pakistan has unfortunately maintained a winless streak of 10 matches at home without clinching a win.
This raises concerns for the players and the managerial team as their decisions regarding team selection and captaincy shift are now a discussion target. Bangladesh is now only the second team to record a clean sweep in a Test series in Pakistan since October 2022, when England beat Pakistan 3-0.
First Test
The first Test of the series, held in Rawalpindi, set the tone for Bangladesh’s historic triumph. Having won the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first and posted an imposing total of 448/6 declared in their first innings.
The foundation of Pakistan’s Pakistan’s innings was laid by a stellar century from Mohammad Rizwan, who remained unbeaten in 171. His innings were supported by Saud Shakeel’s 141, ensuring that Pakistan appeared in control initially.
However, Bangladesh’s response was nothing short of exceptional. Mushfiqur Rahim played a masterclass of 191, steering his team to 565. His innings was the backbone of
Bangladesh’s batting was impressive, as he displayed immense concentration and skill against Pakistan’s bowlers.
Litton Das, who contributed a vital 138, further highlighted Bangladesh’s batting depth. The Pakistan bowlers struggled to contain the runs, and their inability to take wickets at crucial intervals allowed Bangladesh to take a significant first-innings lead.
Pakistan’s second innings were in complete contrast to their first. They faltered under the pressure applied by Bangladesh’s Bangladesh’s bowlers, particularly Mehidy Hasan, who picked the bowlers with figures that reflected his dominance.
Pakistan crumbled for just 146 runs, leaving Bangladesh with a simple target of 30 runs, which they achieved without losing a wicket. Bangladesh’s Bangladesh’s 10-wicket victory was monumental, as it marked their first-ever Test win in Pakistan and set the stage for the series.
Second Test
The second Test, played in Rawalpindi, was expected to see a strong response from Pakistan, but instead, it highlighted the team’s deep-seated issues. Pakistan again batted first, but their innings needed the solidity of the first Test. Despite a decent start, they were bundled out for 274, with Rizwan again the top scorer.
Bangladesh’s Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Mehidy Hasan and Hasan Mahmud, were relentless, ensuring that Pakistan never settled into a rhythm.
Bangladesh’s first innings were more balanced than their first test performance. Although they were bowled out for 262, just 12 runs behind Pakistan, their lower-order contributions ensured they stayed in the game. Mehidy Hasan’s all-around capabilities were displayed as he added valuable runs to his team’s total.
Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Khurram Shahzad, performed more disciplinedly but failed to establish a commanding lead.
Pakistan’sPakistan’s second innings saw them collapse under pressure again, managing only 172 runs. The top-order struggled against Bangladesh’s Bangladesh’s spinners, with Mehidy Hasan again proving to be the difference-maker. Bangladesh was set a target of 185 runs, which they chased down comfortably with six wickets in hand.
This victory sealed the series 2-0 for Bangladesh and marked a historic whitewash, showcasing their rise as a formidable force in Test cricket.
Key Players and Performances
Bangladesh Players
- Mushfiqur Rahim:
He was undoubtedly the linchpin of Bangladesh’s batting lineup during this series. His monumental 191 in the first Test was a masterclass in patience and technique, anchoring Bangladesh’s innings and setting the stage for their victory.
Mushfiqur’s ability to navigate Pakistan’s Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly during the crucial middle sessions, showcased his experience and maturity as a top-order batsman. Across both Tests, Mushfiqur accumulated 216 runs, making him the second-highest run-scorer of the series.
His contributions were crucial in giving Bangladesh the upper hand in both matches.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz:
He was the standout performer with both bat and ball. With ten wickets at an average of 18.60, Mehidy was the most successful bowler in the series, consistently troubling Pakistan’s batters with his spin.
His ability to exploit the conditions in Pakistan, combined with his sharp, cricketing brain, allowed him to maintain pressure on the opposition.
Additionally, Mehidy contributed 155 runs with the bat, providing crucial lower-order runs that helped Bangladesh secure first-innings leads in both Tests. His all-round performance earned him the Player of the Series award.
- Litton Das
He was another key contributor for Bangladesh, particularly in the first Test, where his 138 played a significant role in Bangladesh’s Bangladesh’s 565-run total. His aggressive yet composed batting style put Pakistan’s bowlers on the back foot, allowing Bangladesh to build substantial partnerships.
Litton also led the series in sixes, underlining his ability to shift gears and apply pressure when needed.
Pakistan Players
- Mohammad Rizwan:
He was Pakistan’s most consistent performer with the bat. He scored 294 runs over the two Tests, including a standout unbeaten 171 in the first innings. Rizwan’s ability to hold the innings together while others faltered was crucial for Pakistan, particularly when they faced pressure from Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack.
However, despite his efforts, Rizwan found little support from his teammates, and his contributions could not prevent Pakistan’s batting collapses in crucial moments.
- Khurram Shahzad:
He emerged as Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker with nine wickets in the series. His performance was among the few bright spots in Pakistan’s otherwise lacklustre bowling display.
Shahzad’s ability to extract movement off the pitch troubled Bangladesh’s top order in patches, but he lacked consistent support from the other bowlers. His efforts, though commendable, were not enough to change the course of the matches.
- Saud Shakeel:
He was another notable performer for Pakistan, particularly with his century in the first innings of the first Test. His 141 runs provided Pakistan with a solid platform, but like Rizwan, Shakeel fought a lone battle as the rest of the batting lineup crumbled around him.
His innings, though impressive, were ultimately overshadowed by Pakistan’s collective failures, especially in the second innings of both Tests.
The Disappointing Performance From Pakistan
After a dismal exit from the T20 World Cup, Pakistan failed to make a mark in the series and suffered an upsetting defeat. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to critically review the team’s performance, with potential changes in the coaching staff and squad composition. The emphasis will likely be on rebuilding confidence ahead of future international assignments, particularly in the batting and bowling departments.
- Batting Inconsistencies: Pakistan’s middle order collapsed under pressure in both Tests despite solid starts. The inability to convert starts into significant partnerships was a recurring theme, and the absence of a dependable middle-order batsman was glaring.
- Bowling Inefficiencies: Pakistan’sPakistan’s pace attack, traditionally its strength, failed to make an impact. The lack of penetration in its bowling was evident as it struggled to dismiss Bangladesh consistently in both innings.
- Leadership and Strategy: Questions have been raised about Pakistan’s leadership’s tactical decisions during the series. The newly appointed test captain, Shan Masood, has yet to win a test match. Bangladesh’s Bangladesh’s defensive mindset, particularly in the second Test, allowed it to dominate critical sessions.
Memorable Win for Bangladesh
Despite all the political instabilities back home, Bangladesh pulled off a stellar series win and upset the Pakistan team. This victory signals their readiness to compete at a higher level in Test cricket, particularly away from home. It will likely strengthen their resolve and set a new standard for future performances.
- Experienced Core: The presence of seasoned campaigners like Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, and Litton Das provided stability to the team. Their ability to perform under pressure was crucial in both matches.
- Effective Spin Attack: Bangladesh’s Bangladesh’s spinners, particularly Mehidy Hasan, exploited the conditions well. They maintained tight lines and extracted turn and bounce, which consistently troubled the Pakistani batters.
- Resilient Batting: The Bangladeshi batters displayed remarkable patience and application, particularly in the first Test, where they batted for over 167 overs. Their ability to grind runs and build partnerships was critical to their success.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test Series 2024 will be remembered as a landmark event in cricket history, showcasing Bangladesh’s rise and Pakistan’s struggle. It underlines the unpredictable nature of Test cricket and the need for teams to evolve and adapt constantly.
For Pakistan, the series is a stark reminder of the challenges ahead, while for Bangladesh, it is a stepping stone towards more significant achievements in international cricket.
Both teams will look to learn from this series, with Pakistan aiming to rebuild and Bangladesh hoping to build on this momentum in their upcoming campaigns.
Pakistan fans are highly frustrated by their team’s performance and will be looking forward to them getting back to their best. This series turned out to be historic not only for the ending result but also for the implications it brought with it.
