Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 78 runs to clinch historic Test series win

Bangladesh achieved a significant milestone by securing a historic home Test series victory over Pakistan, winning the second Test in Sylhet by 78 runs.

Spinner Taijul Islam was the standout performer, claiming six wickets to propel the home team to a series-winning triumph on the fifth day of the match on Wednesday.

Pakistan commenced the day with a score of 316-7, chasing a formidable target of 437, but were dismissed for 328 within the first session, despite a commendable 94-run effort from Mohammad Rizwan.

This victory marks Bangladesh's inaugural Test series win at home against Pakistan and represents their second consecutive series sweep, having previously achieved a 2-0 victory on Pakistan's turf in 2024.

Wicketkeeper Rizwan played a crucial role in maintaining Pakistan's hopes for an unlikely win, enduring a 166-ball innings after the visitors had faltered to 162-5 on day four.

Rizwan, alongside overnight partner Sajid Khan, who scored 28, established an eighth-wicket partnership of 54 runs. However, Taijul intervened, dismissing Sajid for his 18th Test five-wicket haul, and Shoriful Islam followed up by having Rizwan caught in the subsequent over, effectively ending Pakistan’s resistance.

Taijul's final wicket came when he dismissed Khurram Shahzad, securing figures of 6-120 and igniting celebrations among the Bangladesh players.

In addition to his pivotal role in the second innings, Taijul also contributed significantly in the first innings, taking 3-67 while Pakistan managed to total 232 runs.

Bangladesh's batting lineup also shone, with wicketkeeper Litton Das scoring 126 runs in their first innings, which totaled 278. Veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim followed with an impressive 137 in the second innings, guiding Bangladesh to 390, supported by Mahmudul Hasan Joy's 52 and Litton's 69.

Under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh secured victory in the opening Test by 104 runs, showcasing a strong performance throughout the series.