Bangladesh scripted their biggest Test win in the 21st century as they crushed Afghanistan by a massive 546 runs in their one-off Test in Mirpur on Saturday. The hosts’ fast bowler Taskin Ahmed produced career-best figures of 4-37 to bowl out Afghanistan for 115 in their second innings. Bangladesh had set them a daunting target of 662. With this win, Bangladesh surpasses its previous biggest Test win of 226 runs against Zimbabwe.
Taskin led the pace attack that took 14 wickets in the match, while Shoriful Islam claimed 3-28. Afghanistan resumed at 45-2 on Day 4 but suffered an early stumble when Nasir Jamal (6) edged Ebadot Hossain. Shoriful had Afsar Zaxai (6) caught at gully and dismissed Bahir Shah (7) before Rahmat Shah was caught behind the stumps off Taskin.
Karim Janat hit two sixes before getting bowled out by Taskin for 18. Mehidy Hasan removed Amir Hamza (5), leaving Afghanistan at 106-8. In the next over, Taskin had Yamin Ahmadzai caught at mid-off to seal his fourth wicket, before Zahir Khan retired hurt after getting hit by a Taskin bouncer.
Bangladesh scored 382 runs in the first innings, with Najmul Hossain Shanto scoring a brilliant 146, and bowled out Afghanistan for just 146 runs in reply. Najmul notched up 124 in the second innings while skipper Mominul Haque ended his two-year drought with an unbeaten 121. Bangladesh declared at 425-4 in Friday’s final session.
Australia’s win against England by 562 runs in 1934 was the biggest Test win by runs before this, while England hold an all-time record with a 675-run win over Australia in 1928. Bangladesh’s win is now the biggest Test win by runs since Australia’s 562-run victory. The hosts will be pleased with their comprehensive victory as they now gear up for a two-match Test series against Pakistan.
