For all latest articles, follow on Google NewsIn a remarkable display of dominance, Bangladesh achieved the third-largest win margin by runs in Test cricket history, securing a resounding victory against Afghanistan in Dhaka. Their triumph by a staggering 546 runs solidified their place in cricket history, surpassed only by England’s monumental 675-run win over Australia in 1928 at the Gabba, and their own defeat to Australia by 562 runs at The Oval six years later.
Bangladesh’s triumph was punctuated by several exceptional accomplishments. Notably, their second-innings lead of 661 runs against Afghanistan was a remarkable achievement, placing them among the elite few teams to achieve such a substantial advantage in Test cricket. Moreover, this feat set a new record for the highest second-innings lead in a five-day Test, surpassing New Zealand’s 659-run lead against Sri Lanka in the 2018 Christchurch Test.
The prowess of Bangladesh’s pacers was on full display in Mirpur, as they collectively claimed an impressive 14 wickets, surpassing their previous record of 13 scalps shared against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui at the beginning of 2022. Particularly noteworthy was their performance in Afghanistan’s first innings, where the Bangladesh quick bowlers captured eight wickets, marking their most successful Test innings at home.
The batting prowess of Bangladesh was equally remarkable, with two batters achieving centuries in both innings of the Test match. Najmul Hossain Shanto, with his stellar performance, joined the exclusive club of Bangladeshi players accomplishing this rare feat. Mominul Haque was the first batter from Bangladesh to achieve this milestone against Sri Lanka in 2018 in Chattogram. Shanto’s exceptional tally of 270 runs against Afghanistan also earned him the distinction of recording the second-highest individual runs in a Test match for Bangladesh, second only to Mominul’s 281 against Sri Lanka.
Nazmul Hossain Shanto’s batting strike rate of 82.82 throughout the match was the fourth-highest among batters scoring centuries in both innings of a Test match, based on available ball-faced data. This remarkable achievement placed him just below David Warner’s record strike rate of 90.90 during his outstanding 135 and 145 against South Africa in the 2014 Cape Town Test.
The Afghan team, on the other hand, faced a formidable challenge and struggled to accumulate runs, aggregating a mere 261 across both innings. This total represents the lowest run aggregate by any team against Bangladesh while being bowled out twice. The previous record was held by West Indies, who managed 354 runs in 2018, also in Mirpur. Afghanistan’s tally of 261 runs further stands as the third-lowest team total in a Test match in Bangladesh.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, an exceptional bowler, reached a significant milestone, securing his 151st Test wicket. He became only the third bowler from Bangladesh to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of Shakib Al Hasan (233) and Taijul Islam (177). Mehidy’s exceptional talent and consistency have earned him a place among the cricketing elite, contributing significantly to Bangladesh’s success.
Bangladesh’s triumph in the Dhaka Test against Afghanistan witnessed historic achievements in both team and individual performances. Their colossal victory margin, record-breaking second-innings lead, impressive bowling displays, and exceptional batting feats will be etched in the annals of cricket history, showcasing the rising prowess of Bangladesh on the international stage.
