Bangladesh continued to claw back into the match, having suffered a significant setback on day three. They were teetering at 26-6 at one stage in reply to Pakistan’s 274 in the first innings. Litton Das, at seven, ,ade a counterattacking 138, aided by Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 78, to take them out of danger. They were eventually bowled out for 262, a batting display they should be proud of, given their position early on.

A determined performance by Bangladesh's pace attack has kept Pakistan in check at Rawalpindi.

Bangladesh need 185 runs to clinch a historic Test series 👏

Scorecard ➡️ https://t.co/rFnp0PmhZp pic.twitter.com/wZ4TRKNtdb

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) September 2, 2024

Hasan Mahmud puts Bangladesh on brink of history

Taking inspiration from the batters, the bowlers reduced Pakistan to 9-2 in their second innings before stumps.

The hosts spiralled deeper on day four, slipping to 81-6. Salman Ali Agha (47 not out off 71 balls) tried to do some damage control, but he ran out of partners at the other end, with Pakistan being all out for 172.

Hasan Mahmud claimed 5-43, becoming the first Bangladesh bowler to register a five-wicket haul against Pakistan. Mahmud, the wrecker-in-chief, had able support from Nahid Rana (4-44) and Taskin Ahmed (1-40).

Bangladesh have been playing Test cricket since 2000, but this was the first time their fast bowlers claimed all 10 wickets in a Test innings.

The win against in the first Test in Rawalpindi, their first against Pakistan, ranks among their best ever. With a day and a half of cricket still to be played, Bangladesh would fancy their chances to chase 185. That the opening day was washed out and Bangladesh are still looking favourites to force a result, having come back from a slump, makes it even more remarkable.

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