Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Pakistan entered the Rawalpindi Test against Bangladesh with hopes of securing their first-ever World Test Championship final spot, with five home Tests ahead. However, those hopes took a hit as Bangladesh stunned the hosts with a historic 10-wicket win, their first-ever Test victory against Pakistan, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
After the match, a viral video hinted at tension in the Pakistan dressing room. In the clip, captain Shan Masood was seen standing next to fast bowler Shaheen Afridi during a team huddle, only for Afridi to remove Masood’s arm from his shoulder.
Image Source: X
This incident fueled speculation of discord within the team, especially following another viral clip where Masood was visibly angry and arguing with new head coach Jason Gillespie on Day 3.
On the field, spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan dominated Pakistan’s second innings, taking seven wickets between them and bundling out the hosts for just 146 runs. Bangladesh’s openers, Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam, then chased down the target of 30 runs in just seven overs, sealing the win. Pakistan’s decision to go without a specialist spinner backfired, laying bare their misjudgment.
Earlier, Pakistan had declared their first innings at 448/6, but Bangladesh, powered by Mushfiqur Rahim’s 191, responded with 565 all out. Rahim’s outstanding knock earned him the Player of the Match award.