In what is shaping up to be a commanding performance in the Sylhet Test, Bangladesh national cricket team have moved to the brink of victory after a dominant passage of play on the fourth day. By the end of the second session, the hosts had broken through the heart of the Pakistan national cricket team batting order, claiming three crucial wickets and leaving the visitors reeling.
The pivotal moment of the innings came when Pakistan captain Shan Masood was dismissed for 71, a score that proved both significant and symbolic. Attempting to defend a delivery from left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, Masood edged the ball onto the bat, sending it straight to forward short leg where Mahmudul Hasan Joy completed a sharp catch. The dismissal was strikingly ironic, as Masood was caught on 71 by a fielder wearing the same jersey number.
Earlier in the session, Pakistan had shown brief resistance through a 93-run partnership between Masood and Babar Azam. However, that stand was broken by Taijul Islam, who delivered a decisive breakthrough. The wicketkeeper, Litton Das, held a fine catch behind the stumps, further tilting the momentum in Bangladesh’s favour.
The collapse continued when Saud Shakeel fell cheaply after chasing a delivery well outside off stump from pacer Nahid Rana. Once again, Litton Das was involved, completing a safe catch behind the wicket. These rapid strikes dismantled Pakistan’s middle order and intensified Bangladesh’s grip on the match.
Masood had earlier appeared composed and determined, anchoring one end and briefly offering Pakistan hopes of recovery. However, his dismissal triggered further instability, with the visitors losing momentum at a critical stage of the match. Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, exploiting both spin and pace to keep the batting side under constant threat.
With Pakistan’s resistance weakening and wickets tumbling at regular intervals, Bangladesh have moved significantly closer to sealing victory in Sylhet.
Key Fourth-Day Dismissals
| Order | Batter | Score | Bowler | Fielder | Dismissal Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Babar Azam | — | Taijul Islam | Litton Das | Caught behind |
| 2 | Saud Shakeel | — | Nahid Rana | Litton Das | Caught behind |
| 3 | Shan Masood | 71 | Taijul Islam | Mahmudul Hasan Joy | Caught forward short leg |
The match situation now firmly favours Bangladesh, who will look to wrap up the remaining wickets swiftly and complete a memorable home Test victory.