This win is a tribute to protest victims: Shanto

Sports Desk: The Bangladesh cricket team dedicated their historic maiden Test victory over Pakistan to the victims of the student-led movement that ultimately toppled the government of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Before this Test, Bangladesh had faced Pakistan in 13 Tests without securing a single win, whether at home or abroad.

But on Sunday, they triumphed over Pakistan by 10 wickets in Rawalpindi, with Mushfiqur Rahim playing a pivotal role by scoring a remarkable 191 runs.

In the first innings, Pakistan posted 448 for six before declaring, with Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan each scoring centuries. For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud took two wickets each. In response, Bangladesh put up 565, their highest-ever Test total against Pakistan, with Mushfiqur Rahim’s 191 leading the charge. Naseem Shah claimed three wickets for Pakistan.

In their second innings, Pakistan struggled, managing only a 29-run lead and setting Bangladesh a modest target of 30 runs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz took four wickets, conceding just 21 runs, while Shakib Al Hasan took three wickets, bringing his career total to 707—surpassing New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori to become the highest wicket-taking left-arm spinner in history.

Bangladesh chased down the target in just 6.3 overs, sealing the victory.

After the win, Mushfiqur Rahim donated his prize money to the victims of recent floods in Bangladesh, and wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das followed suit.

“We dedicate this victory to those who recently lost their lives during the protests in our country. We pray for their souls,” said Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto after the match.

Shanto called the win a “historic day” for Bangladesh and praised Mushfiqur Rahim, who has been a stalwart of international cricket for 19 years.