Bangladesh earned a crucial 46-run first-innings lead after bowling out Pakistan for 232 on day two of the second Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
After Litton Das had lifted Bangladesh to 278 with his brilliant 126, the bowlers made sure the advantage stayed with the hosts.
Pakistan started the day on 21 without loss, but Bangladesh’s bowlers quickly took charge.
Taskin Ahmed struck early once again. He removed Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais to break Pakistan’s opening stand and put immediate pressure on the visitors.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz then added to the damage. The off-spinner dismissed Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel before lunch as Pakistan slipped to 96 for 4.
Pakistan were in trouble, but Babar Azam kept them alive. Back in the side, Babar looked solid and played an important hand under pressure. He reached his 31st Test fifty and tried to rebuild with Salman Ali Agha.
But Nahid Rana delivered the key breakthrough. The fast bowler smartly reduced his pace and dismissed Babar for 68. It was another big wicket for Bangladesh and the third time Nahid has removed Babar in Test cricket.
Taijul Islam then pushed Pakistan deeper into trouble. He first dismissed Salman Agha for 21. Then his sharp delivery beat Mohammad Rizwan between bat and pad to leave Pakistan struggling further.
At 150 for 6, Bangladesh were firmly in control. Sajid Khan then produced a late counterattack.
He smashed 38 from just 28 balls and struck two fours with four sixes. Three of those sixes came in a row against Taijul and helped Pakistan reduce the deficit.
But Bangladesh finished the job soon after. Nahid Rana dismissed Sajid to end the resistance and Pakistan’s innings closed on 232.
Nahid and Taijul claimed three wickets each. Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took two apiece. Bangladesh’s bowlers worked as a unit and backed up Litton’s century in perfect style.
With a 46-run lead, Bangladesh now hold the edge as they begin their second innings in Sylhet.
