Summary By the close of play, Pakistan were struggling at 316-7 in 86 overs, with Rizwan unbeaten on 75 and Sajid Khan on eight
SYLHET (Dunya News) – Taijul Islam produced a decisive four-wicket spell as Pakistan’s batting line-up crumbled late on day four of the second Test against Bangladesh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
The visitors lost seven wickets and still needed 121 runs to chase down the target.
Pakistan resumed their pursuit in the final session with Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha steadying the innings against a disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack. The pair stitched together a valuable 134-run partnership for the sixth wicket, helping Pakistan recover after early setbacks.
Rizwan held the innings together with a composed knock, reaching his 14th Test fifty, while Salman registered another important half-century in first-class cricket. Their stand guided Pakistan beyond 250 and briefly revived hopes of a successful chase.
The breakthrough finally came when Taijul dismissed Salman for 71 from 102 deliveries, an innings decorated with six boundaries and a six. Pakistan’s problems deepened soon after as Hasan Ali departed without scoring, giving Taijul his fourth wicket of the innings.
By the close of play, Pakistan were struggling at 316-7 in 86 overs, with Rizwan unbeaten on 75 and Sajid Khan on eight, still requiring 121 runs for victory.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan started cautiously through openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal before Nahid Rana removed Fazal for six to break a 27-run opening stand.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz then dismissed Azan for 21, reducing Pakistan to 41-2. Babar Azam and Shan Masood responded with a solid partnership that carried the visitors past 100.
However, Bangladesh struck back strongly in the second session. Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam removed Babar, Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood in quick succession before tea, shifting momentum back in the hosts’ favour.
Babar made a fighting 47 from 52 balls, while Saud scored only six. Shan battled for 71 off 116 deliveries, reaching his 14th Test half-century before falling to Taijul.
Despite the middle-order collapse, Rizwan and Salman rebuilt the innings with determination, keeping Pakistan alive in the chase heading into the final day.
