Target 268: Pakistan Begin Tricky Chase in Dhaka
The first Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan has reached a gripping conclusion in Dhaka, with the hosts setting a challenging victory target of 268 runs for the visitors on the final day.
Bangladesh declared their second innings at 240 for 9, banking on their spinners and the wearing pitch to defend the modest total on a dramatic day of Test cricket.
Pakistan began their chase with intent but suffered an early setback when opener Imam-ul-Haq edged pacer Taskin Ahmed behind to the wicketkeeper, reducing the visitors to 5 for 1 after just two overs.
The remaining batters now face an stern examination against a disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack operating in familiar home conditions.
Shanto and Mominul Build the Platform
Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Bangladesh captain, continued his sublime form from the first innings, top-scoring with a fluent 87 in the second dig before falling to a caught-plumb LBW decision.
Mominul Haque complemented his captain brilliantly, contributing a steady 56 and continuing his remarkable run of five consecutive Test half-centuries.
The duo earlier rescued Bangladesh from a precarious 23 for 2, stitching together a crucial 105-run third-wicket partnership that frustrated Pakistan's pace attack.
Mominul's dismissal to spinner Abrar Ahmed in the final session, however, triggered a lower-order wobble as Bangladesh lost wickets in quick succession.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with an attacking 24 off 27 balls, while Shaheen Afridi removed Litton Das for a well-made 41, but the hosts could not press on further.
Mehidy's Five-For Keeps Bangladesh Ahead
The first innings hero for Bangladesh was once again Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the off-spinner who bagged a superb five-wicket haul to restrict Pakistan to 386 and secure a slender 27-run first-innings lead.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had posted 413 in their first essay, thanks largely to Shanto's unbeaten 101 and Mominul's crucial 91.
Pakistan responded strongly, powered by a magnificent century on debut from young opener Azan Awais, who became the 15th Pakistan batter to achieve the milestone.
Awais's composed 103 off 165 balls, studded with 14 boundaries, helped the visitors recover from early jitters and kept them in the contest throughout the middle sessions.
Abdullah Fazal, another debutant, impressed with a gutsy 60, while Mohammad Rizwan added a quickfire 59 to keep the scoreboard ticking.
For a detailed breakdown of the thrilling run chase and to follow the final session's ball-by-ball updates, check out ESPNcricinfo's live match center for real-time commentary and analysis.
Pre-Match Build-Up and Squad News
The two-match Test series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, began under considerable hype after Bangladesh's memorable series win over Pakistan in 2024.
Pakistan arrived in Dhaka without their premier batter Babar Azam, who opted to play in the Pakistan Super League final, leaving a significant gap in the middle order.
The visitors handed debuts to four uncapped players — Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori — signalling a clear focus on long-term development.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, fielded a settled side brimming with confidence after their historic ODI series victory over the same opponents just weeks earlier.
Speaking before the match, Bangladesh captain Shanto emphasised that his team's thorough preparation would give them the edge in familiar home conditions.
For a deeper look at the background leading into this series and how both teams prepared for the crucial WTC encounters, visit ESPNcricinfo's detailed preview of the Bangladesh-Pakistan Test series.
ODI Series Set the Stage
Just two months before the Test matches, Bangladesh secured a thrilling 2-1 ODI series victory over Pakistan, a result that boosted home morale and exposed cracks in the touring side's batting lineup.
Bangladesh dismissed Pakistan for a paltry 114 in the first ODI, with pace sensation Nahid Rana claiming a maiden five-wicket haul and Tanzid Hasan smashing an unbeaten 67 to seal an eight-wicket win.
Pakistan bounced back in the rain-affected second ODI, winning by 128 runs under the DLS method to level the series, but the hosts ultimately clinched the rubber in a nail-biting final match.
In that decider, Salman Agha's brilliant 106 off 98 balls went in vain as Bangladesh held their nerve to win by 11 runs, with Tanzid Hasan's first ODI hundred (107) proving the difference.
Agha, who later challenged Bangladesh to set a target of 260 in the Test match, emerged as Pakistan's most consistent batter across formats, though his efforts ultimately fell short.
What the Result Means for the WTC
This opening Test holds significant weight in the context of the ICC World Test Championship standings, with both teams seeking crucial points to stay in contention for the 2027 final at Lord's.
Bangladesh entered the series after a six-month hiatus from Test cricket, following a turbulent period marked by board changes and player boycotts, but they have shown remarkable resilience.
Pakistan, still smarting from their early exit in the T20 World Cup, view this series as an opportunity to rebuild their Test credentials under the leadership of Shan Masood.
The second Test is scheduled to begin on May 16 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, with the pitch expected to offer even more assistance to spinners.
For official updates, tour schedules, and expert analysis from the ICC's own channels, head to the ICC's World Test Championship news portal for the latest on the points table and upcoming fixtures.
Final Session Beckons
As the final session of Day 5 unfolds, all three results remain possible. Bangladesh need eight wickets to secure a memorable victory and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Pakistan, despite the early loss of Imam-ul-Haq, will back their middle order to chase down the remaining runs on a surface that continues to deteriorate with every over.
The presence of experienced campaigners like Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan, and all-rounder Salman Agha gives the visitors hope of staging a remarkable comeback.
However, Bangladesh's spinners — led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam — will relish bowling on a wearing pitch with the pressure of a run chase mounting.
Whoever holds their nerve in the next few hours will claim the upper hand in this two-match series, with the winner also gaining valuable momentum heading into the remainder of the WTC cycle.
One thing is certain: the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium is witnessing a classic Test match finish that fans will remember for years to come.
Trending Hashtags: #PAKvsBAN #BANvPAK #TestCricket #WTC2026 #Shanto #MehidyHasanMiraz #CricketNews #GlobalReportHub24 #WWCS97