Bangladesh achieved a landmark moment in their Test cricket history by defeating Pakistan by 78 runs in the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. This victory secured a historic 2-0 series whitewash on home soil for the first time against their Asian rivals.
Pakistan's Chase Falls Short
Set a challenging target of 437, Pakistan resumed the fifth and final day on 316-7, hoping to pull off a remarkable chase. However, Bangladesh's disciplined bowling attack, led by left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, dismantled their resistance. The visitors were bowled out for 358 in 97.2 overs, marking Pakistan's second successive Test series defeat to Bangladesh and highlighting the hosts' growing stature in red-ball cricket.
Rizwan's Valiant Effort
Pakistan's last genuine hopes rested on wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who played a determined innings of 94 from 166 balls, hitting 10 boundaries. Alongside Sajid Khan, Rizwan frustrated Bangladesh during the morning session, adding 54 runs for the eighth wicket after a rain interruption. Sajid contributed an aggressive 28 off 36 balls, including five boundaries, before Taijul Islam made the breakthrough. The dismissal triggered a collapse, with Pakistan losing their remaining wickets without adding another run. Shoriful Islam removed Rizwan just short of a century, and Taijul wrapped up the contest by dismissing Khurram Shahzad for a duck.
Bangladesh's Dominance
Taijul finished with outstanding figures of 6-120 in the fourth innings, emerging as the architect of the victory. Nahid Rana claimed two wickets, while Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took one each. Earlier, Bangladesh recovered from 116-6 in their first innings to post 278, thanks to Litton Das's commanding century. Pakistan replied with 232, conceding a 46-run deficit despite Babar Azam's 68. The hosts then strengthened their grip with 390 in the second innings, powered by Mushfiqur Rahim's superb 137 and contributions from Litton Das and Mahmudul Hasan Joy, setting Pakistan an imposing target.
Brief Scores
- Bangladesh: 278 (Litton 126, Shahzad 4-81) and 390 (Mushfiqur 137, Litton 69, Shahzad 4-86)
- Pakistan: 232 (Babar 68, Rana 3-60, Taijul 3-67) and 358 (Rizwan 94, Masood 71, Agha 71, Taijul 6-120)
- Result: Bangladesh won by 78 runs
Despite moments of resistance from Shan Masood, Salman Ali Agha, and Rizwan, Pakistan ultimately fell short as Bangladesh celebrated one of their finest Test series triumphs.
