Watch: Babar Azam picked up his first-ever international wicket at a crucial juncture to take Pakistan to the finish line in the second Test against Bangladesh.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who had polished his bowling skills in the dressing room with a 10-for during an intra-squad match, picked up his maiden wicket in international cricket when he dismissed Mehidy Hasan lbw for 14 on day five of the Dhaka Test match. Bangladesh, who were asked to follow on after being dismissed for 87 in the first innings following Sajid Khan’s eight-wicket haul in the first innings, needed to bat out the entire day on Wednesday to save the Test match.

However, they got off to the worst possible start in the second innings as they collapsed to 25-4 and then 147-6 as Pakistan sensed a chance. The duo of Mehidy and Shakib Al Hasan put up a fight, as they batted 20.1 overs to give Bangladesh hopes of drawing the game. An inspired bowling change, though, got the visitors back.

Babar, who had bowled an over on Tuesday before rain interrupted play, sent down the 76th over of the Bangladesh second innings — only the second of his career. He had Mehidy on the second ball, trapping the batter plumb in front as he looked to sweep. The on-field umpire, however, was not convinced but Pakistan opted to challenge the decision via DRS and replays showed three reds, as Babar opened his wickets tally.

Bangladesh then lost their last four wickets for seven runs as Pakistan won the series 2-0.

Watch Babar Azam getting his first international wicket here:

HISTORIC!!! The maiden international wicket of @babarazam258 #BANvPAK #WTC23 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/DFzKEjWshP

— Rai M. Azlan (@Mussanaf) December 8, 2021