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Rain interrupted Bangladesh’s chance for a clean sweep against Pakistan, as young pace bowlers Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana dismissed the hosts for 172 on Day 4 of the second Test on Monday. Bangladesh had managed to score 42-0 in seven overs before poor light and rain cut short the final session on Day 4, allowing only one over of play. The tourists now need an additional 143 runs to secure a rare Test series win away from home.
Bangladesh has previously won only one bilateral Test series outside their home, against the West Indies in 2009. They won the first Test by 10 wickets, marking their first-ever Test victory against Pakistan in 14 matches. The 24-year-old Mahmud claimed 5-43 in his second Test match, achieving his maiden five-wicket haul, while the 21-year-old Rana took 4-44. Pakistan was dismissed half an hour before tea, giving Bangladesh an overall lead of 184.
Mahmud praised his team’s hard work, saying, “I should give credit to all my team members who work hard every time. We’re very happy to win the first game and now have a chance to get another one, so it’s very joyful.”
Bangladesh’s Rapid Start and Pakistan’s Struggles
Under overcast conditions, Bangladesh openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam scored quickly before the rain. Zakir remained unbeaten on 31 off 23 balls, including two sixes off fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, while Shadman was not out on 9. Litton Das’s resilient century and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s splendid half-century provided Pakistan with a narrow first innings lead of 12 runs, despite the tourists collapsing to 26-6 on Day 3.
Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie acknowledged the challenge, stating, “The odds are probably in favor of Bangladesh, we don’t shy away from that. I’m hoping that we can create some theater, create some drama, and put a smile on a few people’s faces here in Pakistan tomorrow.”
The Pakistani top order has struggled in red-ball cricket, losing five of their last nine Test matches at home, with their last win against South Africa in December 2021. The other four Test matches were drawn. Babar Azam’s poor form extended to seven games when he was dismissed by Rana for the second time in the series. Rana claimed three wickets in his first three overs, causing significant trouble for the Pakistani top order.
Key Performances and Match Progress
Top-scorer Salman Ali Agha (47 not out) and Mohammad Rizwan (43) led the recovery with a half-century partnership after Rana’s burst reduced the home team to 81-6 in the first session. Mahmud then dismantled the lower order, nearly achieving a hat-trick. He had Rizwan caught behind after the break and followed up with another brilliant delivery that found the edge of Mohammad Ali’s bat. Salman added a crucial 36 runs with the tailenders before Mahmud completed his five-wicket haul by claiming the final wicket.
Earlier, Rana nearly finished the first session with four wickets, but Rizwan was dropped in the slips. Rana emerged as a key player after Taskin’s breakthrough when skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto caught Saim Ayub for 20. Skipper Shan Masood scored 28 with four boundaries before Pakistan’s innings faltered against Rana’s pace. Masood and Saud Shakeel edged the ball, and Babar was dismissed by Shadman at slip after 18 balls. Shadman missed a straightforward chance on the next ball, giving Rizwan a significant reprieve as Pakistan went to lunch at 117-6.
Babar’s poor form continues, with eight Test matches since his last half-century, his highest score being 41 against Australia in Melbourne last year. Both teams are near the bottom of the World Test Championship standings, with Bangladesh in seventh place and Pakistan just ahead of the last-placed West Indies.
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