Abbas Impresses But Pakistan Fall To Defeat
12.05.26, 15:34 Updated 19.05.26, 10:43 2 Minute Read
Matthew Rhodes
Pakistan lost to Bangladesh by 104 runs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the first test match of the series between the two nations. Derbyshire’s Muhammad Abbas featured for Pakistan and played a starring role in his side’s bowling attack during Bangladesh’s first innings. However, a batting collapse from the Shaheens in their second innings handed the Tigers an excellent victory on the final day of the game.
Pakistan won the toss and put their opponents in to bat first. Bangladesh were all out for 413, which included a century for Tigers captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. In response, the Shaheens reached 386 giving their opponents a narrow lead of 27. The hosts declared on 240-9 in their second innings, setting the visitors a target of 268 to win the first test match of the series. At 119-3, it looked like Pakistan were one or two healthy partnerships away from being victorious. However, an inspired Tigers side forced a Pakistan batting collapse and the Shaheens were soon all out for 163, losing their last seven wickets for just 44 runs.
Muhammad Abbas’ individual performance will be of particular interest to Derbyshire supporters. The 36 year-old pace bowler joined Mickey Arthur’s side from County Championship Division One winners Nottinghamshire ahead of the 2026 season but has missed Derbyshire’s last two matches due to his international call-up.
Abbas secured figures of 5-92 with the ball during Bangladesh’s first innings, which included the wicket of Shanto shortly after he reached his ton. In Bangladesh’s second innings, Abbas recorded 1-35. The experienced seamer batted at number 11 for his country and was unbeaten for both of Pakistan’s innings, reaching six and five respectively as the final wicket fell at the opposite end.
With the series between Bangladesh and Pakistan lasting only two matches, the Shaheens will need to win the second test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium to avoid losing the series altogether. The second test will run from May 16-20. In a post on their website back when Abbas’ international call-up was confirmed, Derbyshire County Cricket Club stated that the experienced bowler is “expected to return ahead of the first-class fixture against Durham, starting on Friday 12th June.”
The Pakistan international will certainly be unavailable for Derbyshire’s next match, which is an away trip to Middlesex in Division Two of the County Championship that begins on Friday this week. Mickey Arthur’s side will be aiming to record back-to-back victories following their outstanding red ball format win over Northamptonshire earlier this week at the Central Co-op County Ground.
Since his switch from one East Midlands side to another, Abbas has a domestic bowling average of 40.42 and his best overall bowling figures in one match for Derbyshire is the 4-101 he achieved away at Lancashire.
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Matthew Rhodes Matthew is a freelance sports broadcaster, commentator and journalist. He provides live audio commentaries and on the whistle written match reports on football games for Flashscore. He also spent four years as North Derbyshire Radio's senior sports editor. Matthew was born in Chesterfield and grew up in the town.
