SYLHET – Bangladesh produced another landmark moment in their Test cricket journey by defeating Pakistan by 78 runs in the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, sealing a historic 2-0 series whitewash on home soil for the first time against their Asian rivals.
Set a demanding target of 437, Pakistan resumed the fifth and final day on 316-7 with hopes of pulling off a remarkable chase. However, Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack, spearheaded by left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, eventually dismantled the resistance as the visitors were bowled out for 358 in 97.2 overs. The result marked Pakistan’s second successive Test series defeat to Bangladesh and underlined the hosts’ growing stature in red-ball cricket.
Pakistan’s last genuine hopes rested on wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who produced a determined innings of 94 from 166 balls, striking 10 boundaries in a spirited effort to keep the chase alive. Alongside Sajid Khan, Rizwan frustrated Bangladesh during the morning session as the pair added a valuable 54 runs for the eighth wicket after an early rain interruption.
Sajid contributed an aggressive 28 off just 36 balls, including five boundaries, before Taijul Islam delivered the breakthrough Bangladesh desperately needed. The dismissal triggered an immediate collapse, with Pakistan losing their remaining wickets without adding another run.
Shoriful Islam removed Rizwan just short of a deserved century in the following over, while Taijul wrapped up the contest by dismissing Khurram Shahzad for a duck. Taijul finished with outstanding figures of 6-120 in the fourth innings, emerging as the architect of Bangladesh’s victory. Nahid Rana claimed two wickets, while Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with one each.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh recovered impressively from 116-6 in their first innings to post 278, thanks largely to Litton Das’ commanding century. Pakistan replied with 232, conceding a 46-run deficit despite Babar Azam’s 68. The hosts then strengthened their grip on the contest with 390 in the second innings, powered by Mushfiqur Rahim’s superb 137 and vital contributions from Litton Das and Mahmudul Hasan Joy, setting Pakistan an imposing fourth-innings challenge. Despite moments of resistance from Shan Masood, Salman Ali Agha and Rizwan, Pakistan ultimately fell short as Bangladesh celebrated one of the finest Test series triumphs in their cricket history.
Scores in Brief
BANGLADESH 278 (Litton 126, Shahzad 4-81) AND 390 (Mushfiqur 137, Litton 69, Shahzad 4-86) beat PAKISTAN 232 (Babar 68, Rana 3-60, Taijul 3-67) AND 358 (Rizwan 94, Masood 71, Agha 71, Taijul 6-120) by 78 runs.
