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Published : 20 May 2026, 06:30 PM
Bangladesh’s rise in Test cricket, both at home and away, has drawn high praise from Pakistan fast bowling great Wasim Akram, who said the side now looks “ready to compete against the best” in the longest format.
Akram expressed disappointment at Pakistan’s latest defeat but was generous in his assessment of Bangladesh’s all-round dominance, following their 78-run win in the Sylhet Test that completed a 2-0 series whitewash on Wednesday.
Bangladesh had earlier won the first Test in Mirpur by 104 runs, continuing a streak of commanding home performances.
This latest series defeat adds to Pakistan’s struggles against Bangladesh, who had also whitewashed them in a previous series on home soil in 2024.
Pakistan were beaten in Rawalpindi in both Tests during that tour, losing the first by 10 wickets and the second by 6.
Bangladesh’s recent record reflects a broader shift in red-ball fortunes.
After winning a Test series in Pakistan, they drew a two-match series 1-1 in the West Indies, secured a draw and a defeat in Sri Lanka, and also registered a Test win in New Zealand.
At home, they have now won their last five Tests.
A key factor in this transformation, as noted by Akram, has been Bangladesh’s shift away from traditionally slow, turning pitches towards more balanced and sporting surfaces that support pace bowling.
That change, he said, has allowed Bangladesh’s fast bowlers to flourish and even outpace Pakistan’s attack in the series.
“Really disappointed to see Pakistan beaten for the second time by Bangladesh, but full praise and marks to the winners as they played complete cricket.
“Bangladesh used to have low, slow and big turners but now they [are] preparing great Test pitches, helping their fast-rising pace bowlers who outpaced Pakistan.
“Bangladesh are now ready to compete against the best in this format. And… Nahid Rana is [a] treat to watch. Congrats Bangladesh,” Akram posted on social media.
Young pacer Nahid earned special mention from the former Pakistan captain after a standout performance across both Tests.
In Mirpur, he dismantled the opposition with pace and bounce, taking 5 for 40 to play a decisive role in Bangladesh’s win.
He followed it up with another strong showing in Sylhet, finishing the series with 5 wickets.
