Mushfiqur Rahim demonstrated remarkable resilience by scoring an impressive 191 runs and establishing a record-breaking partnership with Mehidy Hasan Miraz during Bangladesh's thrilling victory over Pakistan in the first Test of their two-match series. Following the match, Rahim, the former captain of Bangladesh, expressed his pride in the performance, saying, "This is one of my best innings to date, especially given our struggles overseas. All the players prepared diligently both in Pakistan and back home."
He went on to acknowledge the support from the coaching staff and management: "We had a two-and-a-half-month gap before the Test series, and everyone, including the white-ball players at the World Cup, was focused and ready. I am grateful for the backing I've received. Playing alongside talented players like Shanto inspires me to give my all for my country. I also want to announce my intention to donate my prize money due to the recent floods in Bangladesh."
Looking back at the first match, the Rawalpindi Test got off to a slow start because of a wet outfield, but it evolved into an exhilarating contest by the fifth day. Despite only 41 overs being played on the opening day, Bangladesh made a solid start by securing four crucial wickets.
On Day 2, Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel rescued the hosts by both scoring centuries. Rizwan's remarkable innings of 171 not out featured incredible resilience as he battled through cramps. In pursuit of a decisive result, Pakistan declared at 448/6.
For Bangladesh, Mushfiqur Rahim (191) and Shadman Islam (93) put on an outstanding show, making the Pakistani bowlers work hard for most of Day 4, with both players falling just short of their milestones.
At the start of Day 5, after being reduced to 23/1, Pakistan imploded, collapsing to 146 all out, with only Rizwan offering significant resistance with a fighting half-century. Bangladesh's spin attack dominated, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz claiming four wickets and Shakib Al Hasan adding three.
Needing just 30 runs for a historic win, Bangladesh crossed the finish line in under seven overs without losing a wicket, taking a 1-0 lead in the series after this landmark victory.