Bangladesh produced another memorable Test triumph by defeating Pakistan by 78 runs in the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, sealing a commanding 2-0 series whitewash.
Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam starred with the ball, claiming six wickets to guide the Tigers to their second consecutive Test series sweep over Pakistan after their historic 2-0 triumph on Pakistani soil in 2024.
The latest success also marked Bangladesh’s first-ever home-and-away Test series victories against a major Test-playing nation other than Zimbabwe.
Pakistan resumed the fifth and final day on 316 for seven, still requiring 121 runs to chase down an imposing 437-run target - a total that would have been the highest successful fourth-innings chase in Test cricket history.
Despite facing a near-impossible task, Pakistan showed resistance through vice-captain Mohammad Rizwan and Sajid Khan, who frustrated Bangladesh with an aggressive eighth-wicket stand.
Rizwan attacked early on the final morning, striking pacer Nahid Rana for consecutive boundaries to shift momentum briefly toward the visitors. Sajid also played positively as the pair added 54 runs and raised hopes of an extraordinary comeback.
Sajid contributed 28 runs, while Rizwan advanced confidently towards a century with a composed innings under pressure.
However, Bangladesh eventually broke through with Taijul Islam, who had bowled tirelessly throughout the innings. The experienced spinner dismissed Sajid to end the threatening partnership and bring Bangladesh back into control.
The wicket also earned Taijul his 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, leaving him just one behind Shakib Al Hasan’s Bangladesh record of 19.
Pakistan’s hopes faded quickly after Rizwan fell for a fighting 94 off 184 deliveries. Attempting to cut a ball from Shoriful Islam, he edged directly to gully after striking 10 boundaries in a determined knock.
Following Rizwan’s dismissal, Pakistan collapsed rapidly, losing their remaining wickets in the space of just 12 balls. Taijul wrapped up the innings by dismissing Khurram Shahzad for a duck as Pakistan were bowled out for 358 shortly before lunch.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh recovered from a difficult position in the first innings thanks to Litton Das’s brilliant 126, helping the hosts post 278. Pakistan replied with 232 before Bangladesh strengthened their grip through Mushfiqur Rahim’s magnificent 137 in the second innings.
Mushfiqur’s century, which set several national records, powered Bangladesh to 390 and set Pakistan a daunting target that ultimately proved beyond reach.
.jpg "Messi remains Golden Ball favourite, Mbappé leads scoreboard")
