Bangladesh seized control in the first session of day two as Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz tore through Pakistan’s top order in the second Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
After Litton Das had rescued Bangladesh with a superb 126 to lift the hosts to 278, Bangladesh’s bowlers made sure that effort counted with a brilliant response.
Pakistan resumed on 21 without loss with Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal at the crease, hoping to build a strong reply. Taskin Ahmed quickly changed that.
Bangladesh’s lead pacer struck early by removing Abdullah Fazal for 9. The opener edged the ball and Litton Das completed a sharp diving catch behind the stumps. Taskin struck again soon after.
Azan Awais also fell for 13 as Bangladesh’s fast bowler used movement and pressure to break Pakistan’s opening stand completely. Pakistan were suddenly on the back foot.
Then Mehidy Hasan Miraz took charge. The off-spinner removed captain Shan Masood for 21 when the left-hander tried to score freely. Soon after, Saud Shakeel also fell to Miraz for just 8 while trying to attack.
Pakistan’s top order quickly fell apart. From 21 without loss overnight, they were reduced to 96 for 4 by lunch as Bangladesh completely won the session.
Babar Azam, back in the side after missing the first Test, stood firm during the collapse. He remained unbeaten on 37 from 58 balls at the break. Salman Ali Agha was with him on 6.
But the session clearly belonged to Bangladesh. Taskin’s double strike gave the hosts early momentum, Miraz’s spin tightened the grip and Bangladesh turned Litton’s day one rescue act into a strong position with an outstanding morning performance.
