Bangladesh complete historic Test series sweep

RAWALPINDI: Clinical Bangladesh inflicted a crushing six-wicket defeat on Pakistan at the Pindi Stadium Tuesday to sweep the World Test Championship (WTC) series 2-0.

The victory takes Bangladesh to No 4 at the WTC table, leaving Pakistan with an arduous job to avoid the wooden spoon. Resuming at the overnight score of 42 for no loss, Bangladesh reached the target of 185 after losing four wickets. Though there were clouds, rain stayed away allowing Bangladesh to rewrite history books.

Pakistan had some early joy as Mir Hamza removed Zakir Hussain (40) when the score reached 58 and soon afterwards Shadman Islam (24) fell to Khurram Shahzad. The pleasure, however, was a short-lived affair as Najamul Hasan Shanto (38) reduced target considerably before offering bat and pad catch to Abdullah Shafique.

With Mominul Haq (34), he put on 57 for the third wicket. Once Momin departed for Abrar Ahmad’s only wicket of the second Test (1-40), the two veterans Shakib Al Hasan (21 not out) and Mushfiqur Rahim (22 not out) settled the matter with ease.

No real pressure was exerted by skipper Shan Masood as some opportunities were seen flying between the only slip and gully. The field was giving more a limited-overs look instead of an all-out aggressive attack in an effort to take wicket.

“We cannot express our excitement in words. It is so pleasing to see every player contributing to the cause,” Bangladesh captain Shanto said in a post series comment. “We were outsiders to start with but the way every player chipped in and contributed is something unforgettable. It was all team work which helped us whitewash Pakistan,” he added.

He praised his bowlers for performing beyond the expectations. “Fast bowlers were exceptional and so were spinners. I think even batters came to the party where it was required, helping us win the series fair and square.”

It was the second time that Bangladesh swept a two-match Test series outside home, the first being against West Indies in 2009. They also won a one-off Test match away from home against Zimbabwe.

“This is the brightest chapter of Bangladesh cricket and every fan back home should be proud of that,” Shanto said. Man of the series Mehidy Hasan Miraz was also excited about his performance both with bat and ball. “Winning a Player of the Series award away from your home is something special. I have never done that. This is my first time and I am really pleased with my performance both with bat and ball.”

Besides coming to his team’s rescue at 26 for 6 and contributing a crucial 78 in the first innings, Mehidy also picked up five wickets in the first innings to bowl Pakistan out for 274. “I have tried to put in my best efforts but more importantly it was the team work that mattered most. Every player chipped in either with bat or ball and that is more important,” he said.

Man of the Match Litton Das (138) who smashed a century for Bangladesh in the first innings carrying the team to a position of safety in company with Mehidy, said the team’s performance was more important. “I contributed to the cause and am happy to have lived up to management expectations,” he said.

Pakistan set an easy 185 runs target for Bangladesh to chase after getting bowled out for 172 in the second innings. At one time early in the morning rain threatened to take away Bangladesh smiles but the clouds stayed away to give them a clean sweep against a team that started as favourite for the series.