Bangladesh end 2nd day with 156-run lead

Bangladesh stretched their lead past 150 runs despite an early setback on the second day of the second Test against Pakistan at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

The hosts, who lead the two-match series 1-0, ended the day at 110 for three, stretching the lead to 156 runs with three days remaining in the match. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was batting on 13 as Bangladesh lost debutant Tanzid Tamim (4), Mahmudul Hasan Joy (52) and Mominul Haque (30).  

After bowling Pakistan out for 232 and taking a 46-run first-innings lead, Bangladesh lost opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim early in their second innings.

Pacer Khurram Shahzad struck with a sharp delivery that squared up Tanzid Hasan. The right-hander, playing off the back foot, closed the face of the bat too early and produced a leading edge to gully, where the catch was safely taken.

The dismissal left Bangladesh under some pressure, but Mominul Haque and Mahmudul Hasan Joy steadied the innings with a composed partnership. Joy was removed by Mohammad Abbas for an attacking 64-ball 52, the right-hander hitting 10 boundaries in a free-flowing knock but Bangladesh's lead had already surged to 137 by the time. Joy fell to a very good diving catch by Abdullah Fazal in the deep while trying to go for a flick. 

Mominul, meanwhile, departed on the stroke of stumps as he nicked one from Khurram back to the keeper after a 60-ball 30. 

Bangladesh take 46-run lead after bowling out Pakistan for 232

Bangladesh secured a 46-run first-innings lead after bowling out Pakistan for 232 on the second day of the second Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

Pacer Taskin Ahmed struck twice in the morning session to put the hosts in control before Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam chipped in with crucial wickets to wrap up Pakistan’s innings.

Pakistan found some late resistance through Sajid Khan, who played an aggressive 38-run knock off just 28 deliveries, smashing four sixes and two boundaries. His counterattack helped cut down the deficit before Rana dismissed him to claim his third wicket of the innings.

Bangladesh had earlier posted 278 in their first innings, gaining a handy advantage in the contest heading into the later stages of the match.
 

Bangladesh tighten grip as Pakistan stumble in Sylhet Test

Bangladesh bowlers tightened their grip in the second session as Pakistan struggled to build momentum on Day Two of the second and final Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

Pakistan went to tea at 206 for 8, still trailing by 72 runs.

After an impressive opening burst from Taskin Ahmed and a disciplined spell from Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the morning session, young pacer Nahid Rana and spinner Taijul Islam struck in quick succession after lunch to leave Pakistan under pressure.

Pakistan resumed the second session on 96 for two, with Babar Azam and Salman Agha attempting to steady the innings.

Nahid delivered a key breakthrough in the 40th over when he removed Babar, who looked set for a bigger score. Varying his pace smartly, the young pacer induced a mistimed chip towards mid-on, where Mushfiqur Rahim completed the catch.

Babar made 68 off 84 balls, hitting 10 fours during his stay at the crease.

Taijul then added to Pakistan’s troubles by dismissing Salman Agha for 21 and then last recognize batter Mohammad Rizwan for 13.

He took three wickets for 48 runs in post-lunch session. 

Earlier, Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up two wickets each to put Bangladesh in command during the morning session.
 

Taskin, Miraz make it Bangladesh's morning 

Taskin Ahmed struck twice early to give Bangladesh momentum before Mehidy Hasan Miraz dealt two blows as Bangladesh dominated the second morning of the second Test against Pakistan at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

At lunch, Pakistan were 96 for two, with Babar Azam (37) and Salman Agha (6) in the middle.

Pakistan had resumed the day on 21 without loss from six overs but Bangladesh made an immediate breakthrough in the second over of the morning session.

Taskin removed opener Abdullah Fazal with a well-directed delivery outside off stump. Bowling from a good length, the pacer tempted the batter into a drive and induced an outside edge that was safely taken by wicketkeeper Litton Das.

Abdullah Fazal departed for 9 off 21 balls, with one boundary, as Bangladesh earned the ideal start on a fresh morning wicket.

Taskin struck again soon after to dismiss the other opener, Azan Awais, continuing Bangladesh’s dominant start with the ball.

Bowling from around the wicket, Taskin delivered a back-of-a-length ball that jagged back in late after pitching on an upright seam. Azan got a faint inside edge onto his pad before the ball ballooned to short leg, where Mominul Haque completed a safe catch.

Awais scored 13 off 34 balls, hitting three boundaries, before becoming Taskin’s second victim of the morning.

Spinner Miraz ensured that the rebuilding effort between Shan Masood and Babar Azam did not last long, breaking their 38-run partnership by removing Masood.

Bowling from around the wicket, Mehidy floated one on a slightly short length and extracted a hint of turn outside off. Masood attempted to smash it through the covers but ended up giving a simple catch to substitute fielder Nayeem Hasan at short cover. Masood stood stunned after hitting the ball straight to the fielder inside the ring.

Masood scored 21 runs off 26 balls, hitting two boundaries.

Saud Shakeel was the next to depart, offering a looping catch to Litton Das while trying to sweep Miraz. He lasted only 8 runs.

Earlier, Bangladesh posted 278 in their first innings on the opening day of the Test, powered by Litton Das’s superb century.