Rana’s Five-For Scripts Tigers' Historic Series Lead over Pakistan in Mirpur

A fiery exhibition of pace bowling from Nahid Rana propelled Bangladesh to a historic 104-run victory over Pakistan on the final day of the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. 
 
Rana’s career-best figures of 5-40 dismantled the visitors' batting order, marking Bangladesh’s third consecutive Test win against their regional rivals.

Chasing a daunting target of 268 on a crumbling pitch, Pakistan’s lineup proved no match for Rana’s raw speed and precision. 
The young express pacer capitalized on the afternoon conditions, extracting steep bounce to bundle Pakistan out for a mere 163 in 52.5 overs.

Rana set the tone early in the morning session, dismissing Pakistan captain Shan Masood (2) with a searing delivery that clipped the outside edge. 

While Abdullah Fazal provided a lone fightback with a gritty 66, he found little support at the other end. 

Rana returned after lunch to clinical effect, removing Saud Shakeel (15) before delivering a stunning 147 kph inswinger that jagged back to rattle Mohammad Rizwan’s stumps, leaving the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman shell-shocked.

The comprehensive win followed a bold declaration by Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. 

Although Shanto narrowly missed out on a second century in the match—falling for a well-played 87—his contribution, alongside Mominul Haque’s 56, allowed Bangladesh to declare their second innings at 240-9.

The match concluded in dramatic fashion when Rana forced Shaheen Shah Afridi into a defensive tangle with a fierce, rising short ball. 

The resulting catch at short-leg sparked jubilant celebrations as Rana secured his maiden five-wicket haul.

This victory underscores a significant shift in the rivalry between the two nations. 

The teams will now head to Sylhet for the second and final Test, scheduled to begin on May 16th.