Pakistan's Test defeat to Bangladesh mirrors India's 1976 loss
Pakistan have equaled an unfortunate record previously held by India in Test cricket. The Shan Masood-led Pakistan lost the 1st Test to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi even though they declared their first innings at 448/6. This is the third time Pakistan have faced such a defeat after declaring in the first innings. The previous instances were against England in 1961 and Australia in 2016. Notably, India also lost in a similar manner against the West Indies in 1976.
Here's how Bangladesh beat Pakistan
Pakistan declared at 448/6 after they were invited to bat in Rawalpindi. Saim Ayub (56) and Saud Shakeel (141) rescued Pakistan after they were reduced to 16/3. Mohammad Rizwan's 171* later powered the hosts. Bangladesh responded with a mammoth 565, with Mushfiqur Rahim scoring 191. Shadman Islam (93), Litton Das (56) and Mehidy Hasan (77) registered fifties. Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy dented Pakistan's second innings. Although Rizwan's 51 avoided an innings defeat for Pakistan, Bangladesh aced the final day.
Bangladesh script history in Rawalpindi
This was Bangladesh's maiden triumph over Pakistan in red-ball cricket. Pakistan won 12 of the 13 previous Tests against the Tigers (Draw: 1). They also clinched each of their five previous home games against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Pakistan have now gone nine home Tests without a win. For the first time, they suffered a 10-wicket defeat at home in Tests.
Pakistan's loss mirrors India's 1976 defeat
As mentioned, Pakistan's recent defeat is reminiscent of India's loss to the West Indies in a 1976 Test match in Kingston. In that game, India declared their first innings at 306/6 before conceding a 10-wicket defeat. This parallel makes Pakistan and India the only two teams to have suffered 10-wicket losses after declaring their first innings. The strategy of declaring the innings early backfired on both teams, resulting in unexpected losses.
