This marks a monumental milestone as Bangladesh clinched their first-ever home Test series victory against Pakistan.
Furthermore, Shanto’s side set a new record by winning four consecutive Tests against Pakistan—the longest winning streak for the Tigers against any opponent in their Test history.
This also marks Bangladesh’s second consecutive Test series whitewash against Pakistan, mirroring their historic clean sweep in Rawalpindi two years ago.
Chasing a daunting 437, Pakistan ended Day 4 at 316/7. Heading into the final morning, Bangladesh needed just 3 wickets, while Pakistan required another 121 runs.
The overnight unbeaten batters, Mohammad Rizwan and Sajid Khan, took guard under immense pressure. Bangladesh missed an early opportunity to break the partnership when Nahid Rana induced a slip catch from Rizwan, but Mehidy Hasan Miraz dropped a regulation chance.
Capitalizing on the lifeline, Rizwan paired up with Sajid Khan to frustrate the Bangladeshi bowling attack, momentarily reviving Pakistan’s hopes.
However, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam broke the resistance by dismissing Sajid Khan (28 off 36 balls) to claim his 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Pakistan suffered the knockout blow in the very next over. Shoriful Islam induced an edge from Rizwan, who fell agonizingly short of a century on 94 off 166 balls (decorated with 10 boundaries), caught safely by Miraz. Rizwan’s departure effectively sealed Pakistan’s fate.
Taijul Islam put the final nail in the coffin by dismissing the last batsman, Khurram Shahzad. Attempting a big hit off a short delivery, Shahzad mistimed the shot completely.
Debutant Tanzid Hasan Tamim took a comfortable catch at the boundary, sparking ecstatic celebrations across the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Taijul finished with magnificent second-innings figures of 6 for 135. For Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 94, while skipper Shan Masood contributed 71.
The foundation for this historic triumph was laid in the first innings. Powered by Litton Das’s brilliant 126, Bangladesh posted 278 runs. In reply, the Pakistani batting lineup crumbled under pressure, folding for 232 and handing Bangladesh a 46-run lead.
In their second innings, Mushfiqur Rahim smashed a masterful 137 to help Bangladesh declare at a mammoth 390, setting Pakistan a mountain to climb.
Despite the heavy odds, Pakistan showed resilience. Fast bowler Nahid Rana provided the initial breakthrough by dismissing opener Abdullah Fazal (6), while Miraz trapped Azan Awais (21) leg-before. Babar Azam and skipper Shan Masood then anchored a crucial 92-run third-wicket partnership.
Just as the duo looked dangerous, Taijul turned the game by dismissing Babar (47), caught by Litton.
Nahid Rana then used his express pace to clean up Saud Shakeel for just 6, before Taijul removed the well-set Shan Masood (71) courtesy of a brilliant catch by Joy.
Reeling at 162/5, Pakistan fought back with a resilient 134-run partnership between Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha. But the introduction of the second new ball turned the tide.
Taijul broke the stand by clean-bowling Salman (71) and dismissed Hasan Ali for a golden duck on the very next delivery.
Despite some early resistance from Rizwan and Sajid on Day 5, Taijul’s brilliance and Shoriful’s timely breakthrough ensured Bangladesh walked away with a historic 78-run victory and a historic series sweep.