Bangladesh in Control as Rain Interrupts Day Four of the Second Test Against Pakistan
The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium saw an early end to day four due to rain, with Bangladesh comfortably placed at 42/0 in their chase of 185. The visitors need just 143 more runs to win the match and seal the series.
Opener Zakir Hasan took the lead in the run chase, smashing a quick 31 off 23 balls, while his partner Shadman Islam played a more cautious innings, remaining unbeaten on 9*. Bangladesh is in a strong position to clinch the series, having already won the first Test by 10 wickets.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan was bowled out for 172 in their second innings, thanks to a destructive bowling performance by Bangladesh’s pace duo, Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana. Mahmud claimed his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, making history as the first Bangladesh pacer to take five wickets in an innings in Pakistan. Rana was equally impressive, picking up four wickets.
Pakistan began the day in a precarious position at 9/2, but Saim Ayub and captain Shan Masood gave the hosts a brief respite, adding 38 runs together. Ayub, who scored 20 off 35 balls, was the first to fall, with Taskin Ahmed taking his wicket. Masood followed soon after, contributing 28 runs before being dismissed by Rana.
Pakistan’s middle order crumbled as Rana struck twice more, removing Babar Azam for 11 and Saud Shakeel for just 2. Babar’s struggles in Test cricket continued, with the star batsman now having gone 16 innings without a half-century.
Despite the early setbacks, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha offered some resistance, putting together a valuable 55-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Rizwan scored 43 off 73 balls, including five boundaries, before Mahmud dismissed him and Mohammad Ali on consecutive deliveries.
Salman Ali Agha fought valiantly, remaining unbeaten on 47, but Pakistan’s innings ended at 172 when Mahmud dismissed Mir Hamza for 4.
On day three, Bangladesh had also demonstrated resilience, recovering from a dire situation to post 262 in their first innings. Litton Das played a crucial role, scoring a gritty 138, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 78. Their 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket helped Bangladesh avoid following on after being reduced to 26/6.
Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad was the standout bowler in the first innings, claiming six wickets to put his team in a strong position.
With Bangladesh already leading the two-match series 1-0, they are now well-positioned to secure a series win with a victory in this Test. All eyes will be on the final day’s play to see if Bangladesh can complete the chase and take the series.
