Bangladesh’s Pacers Shine as Rain Delays Victory Over Pakistan
Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana delivered exceptional performances on Monday, sharing nine wickets to put Bangladesh on the brink of a series victory against Pakistan. However, rain interrupted play on the fourth day of the second Test in Rawalpindi, leaving the visitors just 143 runs shy of victory with 42 runs already on the board.
Hasan Mahmud recorded career-best figures of 5-43, while Nahid Rana claimed 4-44, helping dismiss Pakistan for 172 in their second innings. This set Bangladesh a target of 185 runs to secure a 2-0 series win. Openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam got off to a strong start, reaching 42 without loss, with Zakir smashing two sixes and two boundaries. Unfortunately, rain and bad light halted play shortly after the tea break, leaving the outcome to be decided on the final day.
Bangladesh, who lead the two-match series 1-0 following a surprising win in Rawalpindi last month, are now in a strong position to clinch their first Test series victory against Pakistan. They have previously won only two away series, against the West Indies in 2009 and Zimbabwe in 2021.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan struggled to recover from their overnight score of 9-2, reaching 117-6 by lunch. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha tried to rescue the innings with a 55-run partnership before Hasan Mahmud’s heroics. Hasan dismissed Rizwan for 43 and took a second wicket with the very next ball, sending Mohammad Ali back to the pavilion for a golden duck, leaving Pakistan reeling at 136-8.
Salman Agha, who top-scored with 47, managed a 27-run last-wicket stand with Mir Hamza before Hasan secured his fifth wicket, wrapping up Pakistan’s innings. The morning session belonged to 21-year-old Nahid Rana, who showcased his speed and skill by taking three key wickets. He removed Pakistan captain Shan Masood (28), followed by Babar Azam (11) and Saud Shakeel (2), delivering a devastating blow to Pakistan’s batting lineup.
The rain-affected Test has seen dramatic shifts in momentum, with Friday’s first day completely washed out and Bangladesh staging a remarkable comeback on Sunday. After being reduced to 26-6 in their first innings, Bangladesh was lifted by Liton Das (138) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (78), who combined for a 165-run partnership, enabling their team to post a respectable 262.
Now, with just one day remaining, Bangladesh is on the verge of a historic series win, needing only 143 more runs to seal the victory.
