New Delhi, India

On Tuesday (Sep 3), Bangladesh beat Pakistan by six wickets on the fifth and final day of the second and final Test, in Rawalpindi, to inflict a 2-0 series whitewash over Shan Masood & Co. Winning the series opener by 10 wickets, the Bangla Tigers emerged on top of Pakistan by six wickets while chasing 185. Experienced campaigners Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim ended proceedings for the visitors as they climbed further up in the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table.

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Here is the updated WTC standings for the 2023-25 cycle:

WTC 2023/25 Points table

Talking about the contest, Bangladesh opted to bowl and dismissed the hosts for 274 in the first essay, with Mehedi Hasan taking a five-fer. In response, Bangladesh were 26 for 6 before Litton Das' masterclass (138) and Mehedi's 78 took their side to 262, conceding a slender 12-run lead to Pakistan. Just like the first Test, Pakistan fell flat with the bat in the third innings as they got dismissed for 172 with Hasan Mahmud accounting for 5 for 43. 

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In the 185-run chase, Bangla Tigers cruised towards the target without dropping much sweat and vital contributions from all. This became Bangladesh's maiden Test series win over Pakistan and only their third away from home.

Also read: WTC 2023/25 final to be held at Lord's from June 11-15, confirms ICC

After the embarrassing defeat, home captain Masood said, "Extremely disappointed, we were excited for the home season. The story has been the same as Australia, we have not learnt our lessons. We taught we were playing good cricket in Australia but not doing the job, that's something we need to work on. It has happened 4 times in my tenure that we have left the team back into the contest when we were dominating."

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Meanwhile, a jubilant Bangladesh skipper Najmul Shanto said, "Means a lot, can't express in words. Really happy. We were looking to win here and very happy with the way everyone has done their job. Very impressive, the work ethic of our pacers was great and that's why we got the result. Everyone is honest with themselves and they want to win, I hope they continue."