Bangladesh sealed a historic 2-0 series sweep over Pakistan with a thrilling 78-run victory on the final morning of the second Test in Sylhet, underlining their growing stature in the longest format.
Chasing a daunting 437, Pakistan resumed day five on 316 for 7, still needing 121 runs with three wickets in hand. Mohammad Rizwan, unbeaten overnight, and Sajid Khan began positively, scoring freely in the first hour and briefly raising hopes of a dramatic turnaround. The target steadily came down as Bangladesh searched for the breakthrough.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto rotated his bowlers smartly, keeping faith in his frontline spinner Taijul Islam. The move paid off soon after a brief interruption in play, as Taijul dismissed Sajid to break the stubborn stand. From there, the momentum swung decisively in Bangladesh’s favour.
Taijul, who once again proved to be Pakistan’s tormentor, wrapped up the innings with figures of 6 for 120 in 34.2 overs. He fittingly claimed the final wicket when Khurram Shahzad holed out to long-on, triggering celebrations among players and a jubilant Sylhet crowd. Pakistan were bowled out for 358 in 97.2 overs.
Rizwan fought valiantly for his 94 off 166 balls, while Salman Agha and Shan Masood contributed 71 apiece, but their efforts were ultimately in vain against Bangladesh’s disciplined attack. Besides Taijul’s six-wicket haul, Nahid Rana claimed two wickets, while Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with one each.
The victory capped a remarkable turnaround in the match. After slipping to 116 for 6 in their first innings, Bangladesh recovered through Litton Das’s 126 to post 278. In the second innings, Mushfiqur Rahim’s magnificent 137 and valuable contributions from Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Litton powered the hosts to 390, setting Pakistan a stiff fourth-innings target.
This win marks Bangladesh’s first-ever home Test series whitewash over Pakistan, a milestone that reflects the team’s improved consistency in both batting and bowling.
