ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Bangladesh tightened their grip on the second Test against Pakistan in Sylhet with another commanding display, ending day two at 110-3 in their second innings and stretching their overall lead to 156 runs. Holding a 1-0 advantage in the two-match series, the hosts now appear firmly in control with three days still left in the contest.
The day belonged to Bangladesh’s bowlers early on as they wrapped up Pakistan’s first innings for 232, securing a useful 46-run lead. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam and fast bowler Nahid Rana starred with three wickets apiece, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup despite a resilient effort from Babar Azam.
Babar once again stood out for Pakistan, producing a composed 68-run knock laced with 10 boundaries. However, his innings lacked meaningful support from the other end as Bangladesh repeatedly struck at crucial moments. Taskin Ahmed set the tone in the morning by removing overnight openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz tightened the screws before lunch with the wickets of captain Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel.
Pakistan briefly looked capable of recovering through Babar and Salman Ali Agha, but Bangladesh’s disciplined attack shifted the momentum decisively in the afternoon session. Rana’s pace and aggression, combined with Taijul’s accuracy, cleaned up the remaining batting order without allowing Pakistan to build any substantial partnerships.
Reflecting on the collapse, Babar admitted that key dismissals turned the game in Bangladesh’s favor. He pointed to his own wicket and Salman Ali Agha’s departure as the moments that derailed Pakistan’s innings and halted any chance of a comeback.
Bangladesh then carried that momentum into their second innings. Zakir Hasan Joy, who had failed to score in the first innings, responded brilliantly with an aggressive 52 off just 64 deliveries. His attacking approach helped Bangladesh extend their lead quickly before Mohammad Abbas dismissed him.
Pakistan found limited success late in the day through Khurram Shahzad, who removed Tanzid Hasan for four and later struck again in the final over by dismissing Mominul Haque for 30. Despite those breakthroughs, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 13 at stumps, keeping the hosts in a strong position.
Nahid Rana remained confident after play, insisting Bangladesh were not focused on a specific target but instead aimed to occupy the crease for as long as possible on day three. Their current dominance, however, was built on Litton Das’s stunning century from the previous day — a counterattacking 126 that rescued Bangladesh from early trouble and laid the foundation for their advantage.
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