Bangladesh Dominate Pakistan in Sylhet Test

Bangladesh have taken firm control of the second day of the Sylhet Test, producing a disciplined and incisive bowling display that has left Pakistan under serious pressure. By the tea interval, the visitors were reduced to 206 for 8 in their second innings, still trailing Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 278 by 72 runs, with only two wickets remaining.

The tone of the day was set early by the pace of Taskin Ahmed, who struck in just his second over. He removed opener Abdullah Fazal with a sharp breakthrough that immediately unsettled the Pakistan top order. Taskin struck again soon after, dismissing Azaan Awais and leaving the visitors reeling inside the opening spell.

Pakistan’s fragile start soon turned into a deeper collapse as Bangladesh’s spin attack came into play. Mehidy Hasan Miraz applied relentless pressure through the middle overs, breaking the backbone of Pakistan’s innings. He claimed two crucial wickets in quick succession, sending back captain Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel, both of whom failed to convert starts into substantial scores.

Despite the collapse, experienced batter Babar Azam attempted to stabilise the innings. He played with composure and timing, reaching a brisk half-century off just 63 deliveries. His partnership with Salman Agha offered brief resistance and momentarily halted Bangladesh’s momentum.

However, the stand was eventually broken by Nahid Rana, whose pace and bounce forced Babar into a mistimed shot, resulting in a catch at mid-on after a well-compiled 68. From that point, Bangladesh regained full control.

The innings then unravelled further under the precision of Taijul Islam, who produced a decisive spell to dismantle the lower middle order. He removed Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan, and Hasan Ali in quick succession, with Rizwan clean bowled in a delivery that highlighted Bangladesh’s growing dominance in the match.

Nahid Rana also contributed in the field, taking a sharp catch to dismiss Hasan Ali at long-on, underlining Bangladesh’s intensity and discipline in all departments.

Pakistan Second Innings – Wicket Summary

With Pakistan struggling at 206 for 8, Bangladesh now stand on the brink of wrapping up the innings swiftly. If the final two wickets are claimed early on the third session, the hosts will be well placed to secure a significant first-innings lead and further tighten their grip on the Test match.