The first Test which ended in a draw is a way for Bangladesh to gain a bit of confidence ahead of the second and final Test on Wednesday, after losing all eight of their previous Tests against Pakistan. It’s not often draws are celebrated but this draw was Bangladesh’s first against Pakistan.

After posting 332 runs in their first innings, Bangladesh struggled to dismiss Pakistan who replied with a massive 628 runs. Their score was on the back of a maiden double century from Mohammad Hafeez, which was also supported by Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed, all of whom scored around the 80-run mark. Even after Hafeez was sent packing, Shafiq (83) and Ahmed (82) put on a 126-run partnership to take Pakistan to a big lead. As a result, Pakistan was in control.

While Pakistan pushed for a bigger lead, Bangladesh pushed for wickets. That is when young Taijul Islam landed his third five-wicket haul.

Seeing bowlers finish with figures around the 150 mark – it was tough out there. Although the pitch did not give bowlers much to work with, it did produce great innings for both teams.

When Pakistan was bowled out, Bangladesh was faced with a huge mountain to climb. Some would have said Bangladesh wouldn’t reach the target and Pakistan would win by an innings. However, that wasn’t the case as Bangladesh’s effort forced a draw. Not only did they reach Pakistan’s score, but also took the lead without losing a wicket. All of this was courtesy of Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes, who helped Bangladesh to 555 runs before the captains decided on a draw.

This was a Test of maiden double tons. In addition to Hafeez scoring a double ton, Tamim also reached his maiden double ton – not even the rain could halt his momentum. Tamim’s score of 206 was the highest Test score by any Bangladeshi player. The previous score belonged to captain Mushfiqur Rahim with 200 against Sri Lanka in 2013. While Bangladesh keeps pushing on, they are also keeping the records coming. Tamim and Kayes made a record 312-run opening partnership, which was Bangladesh’s highest ever partnership at any wicket.

One would have expected the wickets to tumble after Tamim was dismissed, but they held themselves together. Shakib Al Hasan hit an unbeaten 76. Although the two captains settled on a draw, it would have been pleasant to see how far Shakib would have gone on the last day.

Unluckily for Pakistan though, they are still in search for their first win on the tour, and the last Test is the only chance they have.