Bangladesh's bowling depth powers historic Pakistan whitewash

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam starred with 6-120 in the second innings as Pakistan, chasing a record 437, were bowled out for 328 during the opening session of the fifth day despite a defiant 94 from Mohammad Rizwan.

The result sealed Bangladesh's first home Test series win over Pakistan and completed a second successive 2-0 sweep against the same opponents following their triumph in Pakistan in 2024. It also marked the first time Bangladesh had won four consecutive Test series.

Shanto said the balance and competitiveness within the attack had transformed the team.

"I think it is this healthy competition that won us the Test series against Pakistan," Shanto said. "Whoever is given the responsibility of bowling, they have stepped up. It is also desirable to see a bowler cutting out the runs or taking wickets when the team is under pressure."

Bangladesh's spinners claimed 22 wickets across the two Tests, with Taijul and Mehidy Hasan Miraz both producing five-wicket hauls, while the pace attack contributed 18 wickets led by Nahid Rana's 11 in the series.

Pakistan resumed day five on 316-7 with Rizwan and Sajid Khan giving the visitors brief hope through a stubborn 54-run eighth-wicket partnership. Rizwan survived for 166 balls while Sajid made 28 before Taijul dismissed the latter to complete his 18th Test five-for.

Shoriful Islam then removed Rizwan in the following over to end Pakistan's resistance before Taijul wrapped up the innings by dismissing Khurram Shahzad.

"It is hard to explain the emotion of that one hour today," Shanto said. "We were under pressure as they were batting well. But compared to previous matches, we controlled our emotions better and did not panic."

Shanto also credited the senior players for helping him navigate tense moments in the field.

"I think I am very lucky that Mushfiq bhai is in the field. I also had the likes of Litton, Miraz and Mominul bhai. Almost everyone came up to me with their advice."

Pakistan captain Shan Masood admitted his side failed to capitalise on key moments throughout the series.

"It's never good to lose games," Masood said. "In both matches we had significant chances, but we need to reflect on where we lost the game in batting, bowling and fielding if we want to move forward as a side."

Bangladesh's victory had been built on recoveries with the bat as much as their bowling discipline. In the first innings of the second Test they slumped to 116-6 before Litton Das rescued them with 126.

Shanto described Litton's innings as the turning point of the match.

"I think Litton's innings was a textbook example of playing for the team," he said. "The way Litton batted with responsibility in that situation, you realise just how big teams operate."

Veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim then ensured Pakistan's target became unreachable with 137 in Bangladesh's second innings, supported by Mahmudul Hasan Joy's 52 and Litton's 69.

Mushfiqur finished the series with 253 runs in two Tests to be named player of the series, while Litton earned player of the match honours for his crucial contributions in Sylhet.

Bangladesh had already won the opening Test by 104 runs, but Shanto believes the dominant nature of the series triumph can become a template for the future.

"We certainly haven't played so well over two Test matches. It is something to be proud of," he said. "Everyone wanted to raise our bar by trying to win this Test series. We have to take advantage of this success."