Pakistan faced a significant setback on Sunday as they suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test of a two-match series. Ranked sixth in the World Test Championship points table, Pakistan had high hopes of correcting past mistakes and pursuing their first-ever qualification for the final. With five home Tests ahead, a successful campaign seemed within reach. However, the shock loss to Bangladesh—their first in Test history against the visitors—now leaves Pakistan on the brink of a humiliating series whitewash at home.
The aftermath of the defeat has sparked widespread criticism. Shan Masood’s captaincy and the team’s puzzling selection decisions have come under fire, particularly for fielding four fast bowlers with no specialist spinner on a pitch where Bangladesh’s spinners proved decisive.
Behind the scenes, however, tensions within the Pakistan dressing room appear to be brewing. According to reports from Pakistani media, a post-match discussion between senior players, including Masood, and newly-appointed head coach Jason Gillespie, highlighted dissatisfaction with the performance of the fast bowlers. The talk reportedly centered on their inability to exploit the grassy pitch and their declining pace, which allowed Bangladesh to amass 565 runs—enough to secure a historic victory.
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What Happened in the 1st Test Between Pakistan and Bangladesh?
Pakistan, bolstered by Mohammad Rizwan’s impressive 171, declared their first innings at 448 for six. However, Bangladesh responded in stunning fashion, with six of their batters scoring fifties. Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim led the charge with a monumental 191, guiding the visitors to 565 runs.
In their second innings, Pakistan crumbled for just 146 runs, their lowest-ever score against Bangladesh in a Test match. Spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan were the chief destroyers, taking seven wickets between them. Bangladesh chased down the modest 30-run target in just seven overs, sealing their biggest Test victory to date.
As Pakistan heads into the final match of the series on August 30, they face the daunting task of avoiding a series whitewash on home soil.