Bangladesh were forced to follow-on after being bowled out for 87 in the first innings and were bundled out for 205 in the second innings as well.
Amidst the dim light, the final pair of Taijul Islam and Ibadat Hossain played 34 balls to raise hopes of a draw, but Sajid ensured Pakistan’s victory by hitting Taijul leg before.
Sajid put up the fourth-best performance for Pakistani bowling, taking eight for 42 in the first innings and then taking four for 86 in the second innings as well.
Pakistan declared the first innings after scoring 300 runs for four wickets. On the first three days, only 63.2 overs of play was possible due to rain and poor light. Only 6.2 overs could be played on the third day while not a single ball could be bowled on the second day.
Bangladesh started the final day at 76 for seven in the first innings but were soon reduced to 87 after Pakistan captain Babar Azam without hesitation gave the opposition a follow-on.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (2 for 31) and Hasan Ali (2 for 37) also gave Bangladesh early blows in the second innings as the team lost four wickets for 25 runs.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das added 73 runs in 25 overs to raise Bangladesh’s hopes of drawing the match. Sajid broke the partnership by hitting Liton leg before. Liton scored 45 runs.
Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur then shared a 49-run partnership. Mushfiqur, however, was run out for 48 in an attempt to steal a risky run.
Shakib and Mehdi Hassan then took the lead. Babar, however, boosted Pakistan’s chances of victory by taking Mehdi Hasan leg-bearer.
Sajid then bowled Shakib who scored 63 runs. Shakib became only the sixth player to complete the double of 4000 runs and 200 wickets in Test cricket during this period. He achieved this feat in the shortest 59 matches, leaving behind Ian Botham of England, who had achieved this feat in 69 matches.
Pakistan won the first Test by eight wickets while also winning the three-match T20I series.
This is Bangladesh’s 93rd defeat in 123 matches. Out of this, 44 defeats have come by the margin of innings.
AP Sudhir Mona
Mona
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