Pakistan’s pace attack led by Khurram Shahzad fought back late in the day after Babar Azam’s half-century and a useful lower-order contribution helped reduce the deficit as Bangladesh reached 110 for three in their second innings at stumps on day two of the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
The hosts ended day two at 110 for three in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 156 runs with seven wickets still in hand. A total of 13 wickets fell on an eventful second day’s play in Sylhet.
Resuming their first innings at the overnight score of 21 without loss, Pakistan were bowled out for 232 in 57.4 overs in reply to Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 278. Pakistan trailed by 46 runs but struck back with the ball late in the day to remain in the contest.
Pakistan’s innings suffered early setbacks as both openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal departed with only 23 runs on the board. Skipper Shan Masood added 21 before Babar Azam steadied the innings with a fluent 68 off 84 balls, smashing 10 fours. He shared a 63-run stand with Salman Ali Agha for the fifth wicket after Pakistan had slipped to 79 for four in 24.5 overs.
Salman contributed 21, while Mohammad Rizwan made 13. Hasan Ali chipped in with 18 before Sajid Khan launched a counter-attacking 38 off 28 deliveries featuring four sixes and two fours to help Pakistan cross the 230-run mark.
For Bangladesh, Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam took three wickets each, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz bagged two wickets apiece.
Pakistan’s bowlers then responded strongly in Bangladesh’s second innings. Right-arm fast Khurram struck early to remove Tanzid Hasan before Abbas dismissed set batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who top-scored with 52. Khurram then dismissed left-handed batter Mominul Haque (30, 60b, 3x4s) on the final ball of the day as Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 13 at close of play.
Scores in brief:
Day 2 of 5
Bangladesh 278 all out, 77 overs (Litton Das 126, Najmul Hossain Shanto 29; Khurram Shahzad 4-81, Mohammad Abbas 3-45) and 110-3, 26.4 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 52, Mominul Haque 30; Khurram Shahzad 2-19)
Pakistan 232 all out, 57.4 overs (Babar Azam 68, Sajid Khan 38; Nahid Rana 3-60, Taijul Islam 3-67)
