SYLHET — Bangladesh is closing in on a clinical victory in the second Test against Pakistan at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, requiring just one final wicket to secure a historic 2-0 series sweep.
Despite a resilient counter-attack from Pakistan’s lower order on the final morning, quick strikes from Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam shattered the visitors’ hopes of a miraculous rescue.
Final Morning Drama
Resuming the final day at 316/7—still needing 121 runs for an improbable victory—Pakistan pinned their hopes on overnight batsman Mohammad Rizwan (75*) and Sajid Khan (8*). A heavy overnight downpour delayed the start of play, but once action commenced at 10:15 AM local time, the Pakistani duo mounted a stubborn defense.
The pair added a valuable 54 runs for the eighth wicket, frustrating the Bangladeshi bowling attack and narrowing the deficit. However, the breakthrough arrived in the 96th over when left-arm spinner Taijul Islam induced an edge from Sajid Khan (28), comfortably caught by Najmul Hossain Shanto in the slips. The dismissal marked a significant milestone for Taijul, who claimed his 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
In the very next over, paceman Shoriful Islam dealt the definitive blow, dismissing a magnificent Mohammad Rizwan just six runs short of a well-deserved century. Rizwan’s fighting knock of 94 came to an end when he was caught out, leaving Pakistan’s tail exposed at 358/9.
The Foundation of the Match
Chasing a monumental and record-breaking target of 437 runs, Pakistan had found temporary hope on Day 4 through a resilient 134-run sixth-wicket partnership between Agha Salman (71) and Rizwan.
Bangladesh broke that crucial stand late on the fourth evening after taking the new ball, with Taijul removing Salman and subsequently dismissing Hasan Ali for a duck to set up the final day’s theater.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh’s second-innings total of 390 was anchored by a magnificent 137 from Mushfiqur Rahim and a vital 69 from Litton Das, establishing a commanding 436-run lead. This followed a competitive first-innings trade where Litton’s 126 lifted Bangladesh to 278, before bowling Pakistan out for 232.
Match Summary (At the fall of the 9th wicket)
Bangladesh 1st Innings: 278/10 (Litton 126; Sajid 38/3)
Pakistan 1st Innings: 232/10 (Babar 68; Fazal 9/3)
Bangladesh 2nd Innings: 390/10 (Mushfiqur 137, Litton 69)
Pakistan 2nd Innings: 358/9 (Rizwan 94, Shan 71, Salman 71; Taijul 5-wicket haul)
Status: Pakistan require 79 runs; Bangladesh require 1 wicket.
