From Multan Nightmares to Rawalpindi Glory: Bangladesh Cricket's Epic Redemption Against Pakistan
The Unforgettable Journey of Resilience, Heartbreak, and Ultimate Triumph
In the annals of Test cricket, few rivalries capture the drama of underdog stories quite like Bangladesh versus Pakistan. What began as repeated nightmares in venues like Multan has transformed into one of the most inspiring redemption arcs in modern cricket history. The 2024 whitewash in Rawalpindi didn't just mark a series victory—it symbolized a nation's cricket team rising from the ashes of early humiliations to etch their name in glory. As the two teams prepare to clash again in Bangladesh, it's the perfect time to revisit this rollercoaster saga that spans over two decades.
From the dusty pitches of Multan where Danish Kaneria spun webs of destruction to the high-stakes battles in Rawalpindi where Bangladesh's pace and batting depth shone, this is more than just match scores. It's a tale of perseverance, tactical evolution, individual brilliance, and collective belief. Buckle up for a deep dive into one of cricket's most compelling modern narratives.
The Early Agony: Multan 2001 – A Baptism by Fire
Bangladesh's Test journey against Pakistan started in 2001 during the Asian Test Championship. Fresh off gaining Test status in 2000, the Tigers faced a formidable Pakistan side boasting legends like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and the wrist-spin wizard Danish Kaneria.The result was brutal. Bangladesh were bundled out for 134 in the first innings and 148 in the second. Kaneria claimed 12 wickets across both innings (6 in each). Pakistan, meanwhile, declared at 546/3, with five batsmen scoring centuries in one innings—a rare feat in Test history. The match ended in an innings and 264-run defeat inside three days. It set a tone of dominance that would haunt Bangladesh for years.
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This wasn't just a loss; it was a harsh lesson in the gulf between a nascent Test nation and established powerhouses. Bangladesh's bowlers were toyed with, and their batting collapsed under pressure. Yet, seeds of resilience were sown even in defeat.
Home Humiliation and Near Misses (2002-2003)
The pain followed Bangladesh home. In 2002, Pakistan toured for two Tests. In Dhaka, Waqar Younis ripped through the batting with 6 wickets in the first innings as Bangladesh folded for 160 after a promising start. Pakistan declared at 490/9, and Danish Kaneria again starred with 7 wickets in the second innings. Chittagong saw another thrashing, with Mohammad Yousuf's double century powering Pakistan.Then came the 2003 Multan heartbreak—the closest Bangladesh had come to glory at that point. Bangladesh took a 106-run first innings lead and had Pakistan reeling at 132/6 in the chase of 261. Victory seemed imminent. But Inzamam-ul-Haq, batting at number 4, remained unbeaten on 138, guiding the tail to a miraculous one-wicket win. The image of Bangladesh captain Khaled Mahmud wiping tears as he left the field became symbolic of unfulfilled dreams.
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These matches highlighted Bangladesh's fighting spirit but also exposed inconsistencies in finishing games against quality opposition.
The 2010s: Glimpses of Brilliance Amid Continued Struggles
Pakistan's visits to Bangladesh in 2011 and 2015 offered mixed results. In 2011, Shakib Al Hasan produced a masterclass in Mirpur—144 runs and 6 wickets in an innings—but it was only enough for a consolation. Pakistan dominated overall with centuries from Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, and Asad Shafiq.The 2015 series was historic for Bangladesh's batting. Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes forged a record 312-run opening stand in the first Test—still the highest for any team in a Test innings. Tamim scored 206, Imrul 150, helping Bangladesh post 332 and avoid a whitewash. However, Pakistan's massive first innings total and a heavy defeat in the second Test reminded everyone of the challenge.
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These years showed progress: better batting depth, world-class all-rounders like Shakib, and the ability to post competitive totals. But converting promise into victories remained elusive.
Pandemic Interruptions and More Whitewashes (2020-2021)
The 2020 Rawalpindi Test was overshadowed by COVID-19. Bangladesh suffered an innings defeat, with teenage pacer Naseem Shah claiming a hat-trick. The 2021 home series was even worse: Pakistan whitewashed Bangladesh 2-0. In Chittagong, Sajid Khan's off-spin (8/42 in one innings) dismantled the batting. Bangladesh were bowled out for 87 in one innings, underscoring vulnerabilities against spin on home tracks.
The 2024 Miracle: Rawalpindi Redemption
Fast forward to August 2024. Bangladesh arrived in Pakistan with a dire record: 13 Tests without a win (12 losses, 1 draw) and 20 consecutive defeats across formats on Pakistani soil. Few gave them a chance.
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First Test, Rawalpindi: Pakistan declared at 448/6. Bangladesh responded with 565, powered by Mushfiqur Rahim's monumental 191. Then the bowlers struck—dismissing Pakistan for 146. Bangladesh chased 30 without losing a wicket. A 10-wicket victory!Second Test: Bangladesh slumped to 26/6 in their first innings. Enter Litton Das (138) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (78), stitching a record 165-run 7th-wicket partnership (the highest in Test history for that situation after early collapse). Bangladesh posted 262. Pakistan managed 274 and then 172. Chasing 185, Bangladesh won by 6 wickets. A historic 2-0 whitewash—the first time Bangladesh beat Pakistan in a Test series, and only the second team to whitewash Pakistan in Pakistan.
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Pace duo Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana shared 9 wickets in the second innings of the second Test. Mehidy's all-round brilliance earned him Player of the Series. This wasn't luck; it was superior adaptability, mental toughness, and execution under pressure.
What Changed? Lessons in Evolution
Several factors fueled this turnaround:
Pace Revolution: Bangladesh developed genuine fast bowlers like Nahid Rana and Hasan Mahmud, effective in Pakistani conditions.
Batting Resilience: Lower-order fights (Litton-Miraz) and experienced anchors like Mushfiqur proved decisive.
Tactical Maturity: Better use of reviews, field placements, and patience in building innings.
Mental Shift: From "Pakistan are unbeatable at home" to believing in their own ability, drawn from past near-misses.
This victory boosted Bangladesh's World Test Championship hopes and inspired a new generation.
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Looking Ahead: The 2025/2026 Series in Bangladesh
With the teams set to renew hostilities in Mirpur and Sylhet, the narrative adds fresh layers. Pakistan will seek revenge on familiar home soil for Bangladesh, while the Tigers aim to build on Rawalpindi momentum. Players like Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib (if available), and emerging talents carry the legacy.The rivalry has evolved from one-sided to competitive. Bangladesh's growth reflects broader development in Bangladeshi cricket infrastructure, domestic leagues, and coaching.
Why This Story Matters
Cricket is more than bat and ball—it's about human stories. Bangladesh's journey mirrors a young nation's sporting aspirations: overcoming resource constraints, early setbacks, and external doubts through sheer grit. From Multan tears to Rawalpindi cheers, it teaches that glory often follows the darkest nights.Fans worldwide celebrate not just the wins but the spirit. As new chapters unfold, one thing is certain: Bangladesh cricket is here to stay, writing bolder stories with every series.
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This epic isn't over. The next Tests promise more drama, more heroes, and perhaps more history. For Bangladesh supporters, it's a reminder: dreams delayed are not dreams denied
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