Bangladesh’s bowlers produced a commanding display on the second day of the Sylhet Test, leaving the hosts on the brink of securing a first-innings lead against Pakistan. By the tea interval, the visitors had been restricted to 206 for 8, still trailing Bangladesh’s total of 278 by 72 runs, with only two wickets in hand.
From the outset, the bowling attack of the Taskin Ahmed set the tone with incisive pace and discipline. He struck in just the second over, removing Abdullah Fazl to deliver an early setback for Pakistan national cricket team. He followed it up shortly after with the dismissal of Azaan Awais, ensuring the visitors were immediately placed under pressure.
The middle overs saw Bangladesh tighten their grip further through the spin of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who dismantled Pakistan’s middle order with precision. He accounted for Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel, triggering a collapse that left Pakistan struggling to rebuild any sustained momentum.
Despite the pressure, Babar Azam stood firm at one end, crafting a fluent half-century off 63 deliveries. His innings briefly stabilised Pakistan’s response as he stitched together a valuable partnership with Salman Agha, offering brief resistance against a disciplined bowling unit from Bangladesh national cricket team.
However, the resistance was eventually broken when Babar fell for 68, edging a delivery from Nahid Rana to mid-on. His dismissal shifted momentum decisively back to Bangladesh. From there, the innings unravelled further as Taijul Islam struck in quick succession, removing Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan, and Hasan Ali. His dismissal of Rizwan, bowled cleanly, proved particularly significant in breaking Pakistan’s lower-middle order resolve.
Nahid Rana also played a crucial supporting role, taking a sharp catch to dismiss Hasan Ali and maintaining pressure through disciplined seam bowling.
Pakistan Innings Progress (Tea – Day 2)
| Batsman / Event | Runs | Dismissed By (Bangladesh) | Score Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abdullah Fazl | 0 | Taskin Ahmed | Early strike |
| Azaan Awais | 0 | Taskin Ahmed | Top-order blow |
| Shan Masood | — | Mehidy Hasan Miraz | Middle-order collapse begins |
| Saud Shakeel | — | Mehidy Hasan Miraz | Pressure increases |
| Babar Azam | 68 | Nahid Rana | Key wicket |
| Salman Agha | — | Taijul Islam | Partnership broken |
| Mohammad Rizwan | — | Taijul Islam | Clean bowled |
| Hasan Ali | — | Taijul Islam | Lower-order weakened |
At tea, Pakistan stood at 206 for 8, with Bangladesh firmly positioned to push for a first-innings lead once the final two wickets are taken. The hosts will now look to wrap up the innings quickly and seize full control of the Test match.