On This Day: Bangladesh Shocks England for Historic Test Victory in Mirpur
On October 30, 2016, Bangladesh achieved a monumental feat in cricket by securing their first-ever Test victory against a full-strength side, defeating England by 108 runs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
On October 30, 2016, Bangladesh achieved a monumental feat in cricket by securing their first-ever Test victory against a full-strength side, defeating England by 108 runs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. This victory not only marked a significant milestone for Bangladesh cricket but also showcased the immense talent and resilience of its players, particularly 19-year-old off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
A Series Filled with Promise
The two-Test series had begun with high expectations for Bangladesh, especially after a near-miss in the first Test in Chittagong, where they fell short by just 22 runs. Undeterred by the narrow loss, the team, led by captain Mushfiqur Rahim, rallied to face a formidable England side featuring stars like Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and captain Alastair Cook. In the second Test, Bangladesh batted first and posted a total of 220 runs, bolstered by a century from opener Tamim Iqbal.
Mehidy Hasan's Bowling Brilliance
Mehidy Hasan emerged as the standout performer in the Mirpur Test, playing a crucial role in Bangladesh's historic win. In England's first innings, he claimed six wickets for 82 runs, followed by another six-wicket haul in the second innings, finishing the match with impressive figures of 12 for 117. Over the course of the two-Test series, Mehidy took a total of 19 wickets, setting a record for the most wickets by a Bangladeshi bowler in a Test series and marking a sensational debut on the international stage.
England's Collapse
Chasing a target of 273 runs in the fourth innings, England appeared to be in a strong position at tea on the third day, requiring just 173 runs with all ten wickets intact. However, the match took a dramatic turn as Bangladesh's spinners, particularly Mehidy and veteran left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan, wreaked havoc on the England batting lineup. The team crumbled, losing all ten wickets in just 23 overs and finishing with a total of only 164 runs, sealing Bangladesh's historic win.
This remarkable victory not only highlighted the potential of Bangladesh cricket but also resonated deeply with fans, symbolizing a new era of competitiveness for the team on the international stage. The 108-run win over England remains a cherished memory in the history of Bangladeshi cricket, celebrating the spirit and determination of a team that had long aspired for success against the world’s best.
