Bangladesh moved to the brink of a memorable series whitewash after a gripping fourth day in the second Test against Pakistan at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Chasing a daunting 437, Pakistan ended day four on 316 for 7 in 86 overs, still 121 runs short with only three wickets in hand. Mohammad Rizwan stood firm on an unbeaten 75 off 134 balls, with Sajid Khan accompanying him on 8, but the visitors face an uphill battle heading into the final morning.
The day ebbed and flowed before swinging decisively Bangladesh’s way in the final session. Pakistan resumed with hope and built key partnerships through Shan Masood (71) and Babar Azam (47), who added 92 runs to steady the chase. However, Taijul Islam broke through at crucial moments, dismissing Babar and later Masood to derail the pursuit.
Salman Agha then joined Rizwan in a defiant 134-run stand for the sixth wicket, reviving Pakistan’s chances with positive stroke play. Agha struck 71 off 102 deliveries, while Rizwan reached a composed half-century to keep the contest alive. But the introduction of the second new ball proved decisive. Taijul struck again, removing Agha and Hasan Ali in quick succession to tilt the balance firmly in Bangladesh’s favour.
Taijul finished the day with outstanding figures of 4 for 113 from 31 overs, while Nahid Rana chipped in with two wickets.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh posted 278 and 390, powered by Mushfiqur Rahim’s commanding 137 in the second innings, setting up the imposing target.
With Rizwan as Pakistan’s last recognised batter and Bangladesh’s bowlers set to attack with a relatively new ball on day five, the hosts are now just three wickets away from sealing a 2-0 series triumph.