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Xtra Time Web Desk: In a momentous achievement for Bangladesh cricket, the national team completed a rare Test series sweep against Pakistan on Tuesday, securing back-to-back victories with a six-wicket win in the second Test at Rawalpindi. This victory, marking only the second time Bangladesh has won a bilateral Test series of two or more matches away from home—the first being against the West Indies in 2009—arrives at a crucial time for a nation in turmoil.

Bangladesh's triumph is not just another win; it breaks a long-standing pattern of near-misses and heartbreaking losses that have haunted the team for years. Memories of their past encounters with Pakistan are filled with pain—like the tearful defeat in Multan in 2003 when Inzamam-ul-Haq snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, or the hat-trick by Naseem Shah in Rawalpindi in 2020 that left them reeling. Success in Tests seemed elusive for the Men in Red and Green, who could not secure a single win in the 2021-23 World Test Championship after their historic victory over New Zealand in Mount Maunganui.

Bangladesh rockets to fourth place in the #WTC25 standings after their historic series win over Pakistan! ????????????#BCB #Cricket #Bangladesh #PAKvBAN #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/eIpZLVfSTx

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) September 3, 2024

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But this recent series in Pakistan is a turning point. Nahid Rana, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, and Litton Das have shown that the Tigers can be a force even without relying on their veteran Big 5. Their performances in Pakistan, where fast bowlers Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, and Taskin Ahmed dismissed Pakistan for 172 in the second innings to set up a victory target of 184, have proven that Bangladesh is capable of achieving great things on the cricket field.

The series win against Pakistan is more than just a cricketing achievement; it is a symbol of hope and resilience for a nation that has been gripped by political unrest and widespread protests in recent weeks. Just weeks ago, Bangladesh was in turmoil as large-scale demonstrations over reservations led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fleeing the country. In the midst of this crisis, the cricket team's remarkable performance offers a rare moment of joy and unity for the people of Bangladesh, providing a glimmer of hope for a better future.

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Post-match celebration following Bangladesh team's landmark series victory against Pakistan in Rawalpindi! ????????#BCB #Cricket #BDCricket #Bangladesh #PAKvBAN #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/jTP1es9Nza

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) September 3, 2024

The Najmul Shanto-led side celebrated in style, singing the Bengali version of 'We Shall Overcome' in their dressing room, a fitting tribute to their hard-fought victory. After years of frustration and setbacks, this victory signals a new beginning for Bangladesh cricket. As Bangladesh looks ahead to a huge tour of India, the focus will be on building on this success and growing in stature as a formidable Test team.