Pakistan national cricket team face a massive challenge in the second Test against Bangladesh national cricket team after the hosts set a daunting target of 437 runs for victory at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
At the close of day three, Bangladesh were bowled out for 390 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 436 runs after already securing a first-innings advantage. Pakistan must now produce a remarkable batting performance on the final two days to chase down 437 and avoid another defeat in the series.
The Sylhet pitch is expected to become increasingly difficult for batting on days four and five, placing enormous pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup. With Bangladesh already leading the two-match Test series 1-0, the visitors are now fighting to save the series and avoid another disappointing result.
Bangladesh resumed day three at 110 for 3 with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim at the crease. However, Pakistan struck early when Shanto was trapped lbw by Khurram Shahzad for 15 runs, leaving Bangladesh at 115 for 4.
Despite the early breakthrough, Bangladesh’s middle and lower order continued to frustrate Pakistan’s bowlers, building a commanding total and putting the hosts firmly in control of the match.
Earlier in Pakistan’s first innings, the visitors were bowled out for 232 after struggling to cope with Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack. Resuming day two at 21 without loss, Pakistan quickly lost momentum as both openers departed cheaply. Azaan Awais scored 13 while Abdullah Fazal managed just 9.
Captain Shan Masood was dismissed for 21 at 61, while Saud Shakeel added only 8 runs before departing. Star batter Babar Azam fought hard with a top score of 68, attempting to stabilize the innings, but Pakistan continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.
Salman Ali Agha scored 21, Mohammad Rizwan made 13, while Hasan Ali contributed 16. Lower-order batter Sajid Khan provided some resistance with a fighting 38-run knock, but Pakistan still fell short, handing Bangladesh a first-innings lead of 46 runs.
For Bangladesh, fast bowler Nahid Rana and spinner Taijul Islam claimed three wickets each, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took two wickets apiece.
On the opening day, Pakistan had initially made a strong start after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. Veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas struck twice early to reduce Bangladesh to 44 for 2, while Khurram Shahzad removed another batter at 63.
Bangladesh were struggling at 168 for 6 by tea on day one, but a brilliant counter-attacking century from Litton Das completely shifted the momentum. Litton smashed 126 runs under pressure, rescuing his side and helping Bangladesh reach a competitive total of 278.
Other useful contributions came from Najmul Hossain Shanto (29), Tanzid Hasan (26), Mushfiqur Rahim (23), Mominul Haque (22), and Taijul Islam (16).
Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Khurram Shahzad with four wickets, while Mohammad Abbas picked up three. Hasan Ali took two wickets and Sajid Khan claimed one.
Pakistan’s playing XI for the match includes Azaan Awais, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Abdullah Fazal, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Khurram Shahzad, Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Abbas. Notably, Imam-ul-Haq, Shaheen Afridi, and Noman Ali were left out of the squad for this crucial Test.
With Bangladesh already leading the series 1-0, Pakistan now require a historic chase in Sylhet to level the series and avoid another setback on foreign soil.
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