Pakistan wrapped a dramatic win by an innings and eight runs in Dhaka’s fading light to sweep the two-Test series 2-0 against Bangladesh. With more than two days lost to rain, Pakistan bowlers produced a commendable show with Sajid Khan ending the game with 12 wickets.
There was pretty of drama as Pakistan kept chipping away with the light dropping by the minute. Bangladesh had been reduced to 204 for 9 after being asked to follow on but Taijul Islam and Ebadot Hossain played out 34 deliveries to keep Pakistan on their toes. Sajid bagged the last wicket as he stuck Taijul in front to give Pakistan their third win in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23.
Bangladesh started the final session on the backfoot having lost Mushfiqur Rahim just before the break for 48. But Shakib al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan did well to frustrate Pakistan with a 51-run stand and more crucially also consumed 139 deliveries to deny the visitors a wicket. Remarkably, for Bangladesh, the pair was still unbeaten when the final hour began. And then disaster struck.
Babar Azam took his maiden Test wicket when he had Mehidy lbw in the 76th over. Just nine deliveries later, Sajid bowled Shakib to leave Bangladesh precariously placed at 200 for 8. The fading light added to the drama as Bangladesh fans dearly hoped the last two wickets were somehow able to hold on. Sajid, however, dented those hopes when he had Khaled Ahmed caught behind in the 79th. Babar brought on Shaheen Afridi despite the fading light and Pakistan also chose to take the new ball as soon as it became available. Taijul and Hossain defied the new ball for 4.4 overs only for their hopes of saving the Test to come crashing down.
Bangladesh’s fight was built on their resolve in the second session where Rahim, Shakib and Liton Das dug deep to ensure they were abe to stretch the Test as much as possible. That, however, came only after there was plenty of drama in the opening session. Bangladesh were kept to just 87 after they started the day on 76 for 7. Shakib needed the bowlers to bat around but instead, Taijul and Ahmed got out for ducks before the allrounder was the last man to fall. Sajid Khan, who had picked six wickets on the fourth day, ended with figures of 8 for 42.