DAKHA (Sports Desk) – Pakistan’s pursuit of a record-breaking 437-run target against Bangladesh in the second Test at Sylhet turned into a tense and uphill battle by tea on the fourth day, with the visitors reaching 200 for 5 and still needing 237 runs to secure victory.
What began as a disciplined response gradually shifted into a struggle after a promising foundation earlier in the day. Pakistan resumed their innings with openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal adding 27 runs before Nahid Rana made the first breakthrough, dismissing Fazal cheaply. Awais followed soon after, falling for 21 to Mehidy Hasan Miraz, leaving Pakistan in early trouble at 41 for 2.
Despite the shaky start, captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam rebuilt the innings with a composed and patient partnership that briefly restored stability. Their stand of 92 runs helped Pakistan reach 101 for 2 at lunch, keeping hopes alive while still requiring a massive 335 runs for victory. Shan looked particularly assured, while Babar rotated strike effectively to keep the scoreboard moving.
The partnership, however, was broken shortly after lunch when Taijul Islam produced a crucial wicket, removing Babar for 47 off 52 balls, ending an innings that included four boundaries and a six. Pakistan slipped again as Saud Shakeel failed to settle, departing for just six runs after a brief stay, further exposing the middle order.
Shan Masood continued to resist pressure and reached a well-constructed half-century—his 14th in Test cricket—but Bangladesh struck again through Taijul Islam, who removed the Pakistan skipper for 71 off 116 deliveries. At that point, Pakistan were five wickets down and still facing a steep chase.
With the top order dismantled, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha attempted to steady the innings and prevent a collapse. Their partnership ensured Pakistan crossed the 200-run mark before tea, offering a slim but still mathematically possible path toward the target.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had set up the contest with a strong second innings total of 390, powered by a superb century from Mushfiqur Rahim, who anchored the innings after early wickets fell. Pakistan’s bowlers had worked hard to contain the damage, with Khurram Shahzad taking 4 for 86 and Sajid Khan contributing key wickets.
Bangladesh’s first innings total of 278 had already given them a 46-run lead, despite a strong bowling effort from Pakistan, where Khurram Shahzad again stood out with four wickets. Pakistan, meanwhile, were dismissed for 232 in their first attempt, with Babar Azam top-scoring with 68.
As the match moved into its final phase, Pakistan faced a daunting task, relying on their remaining batters to mount an unlikely comeback on a wearing pitch against a disciplined Bangladesh attack.
