Bangladesh established a commanding lead in the second Test against Pakistan on Sunday, extending its overall advantage to 156 runs at stumps, driven by disciplined batting and bowling performances. Opener Mahmudul Hasan scored 52 runs, contributing to Bangladesh's total of 110-3 by the end of the second day.
Earlier on Sunday, fast bowler Nahid Rana and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam each secured three wickets. Their combined efforts led to Pakistan's first innings being wrapped up for 232 runs, granting Bangladesh a 46-run lead in conditions favorable to bowlers. Bangladesh's first innings concluded at 278 runs, largely due to Litton Das's 126 runs on the opening day.
Key Performances
Nahid Rana, who previously achieved a five-wicket haul in Bangladesh’s 104-run victory in the first test, played a crucial role in preventing Pakistan from gaining a first-innings lead. Rana dismissed star batter Babar Azam, who had scored a team-best 68 runs upon his return. He also broke the resistance of Sajid Khan, who made 38 runs, thereby concluding Pakistan's innings.
Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed and offspinner Mehidy Hasan collectively took four wickets, putting Pakistan in a difficult position after they resumed Sunday at 21 without loss. Taskin (2-37) removed openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais in his initial two overs of the day, giving Bangladesh an early advantage. Nahid stated, “Taskin and Shoriful (Islam) are bowling with a lot of discipline and partnership in the beginning. When there is pressure and runs are not coming, batters think a lot and play wrong shots. They tried to take that advantage and succeeded.”
Pakistan's Struggle
Abdullah Fazal, who had scored twin half-centuries in the first test, edged a delivery behind after scoring 9 runs. Taskin then bowled a vicious swinging delivery past Awais, a centurion in the first test, who pushed it to short-leg when he was on 13 runs. Captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam briefly halted Pakistan's decline. However, Mehidy (2-21) ended their 38-run partnership when Masood hit a short ball directly to a fielder at short cover for 21 runs.
Mehidy also dismissed Saud Shakeel (8), leaving Babar Azam with a significant challenge to keep Pakistan competitive. Babar received some support from Salman Agha, and they appeared comfortable against the Bangladesh bowlers after initial difficulties. Babar hit a boundary off pacer Shoriful to reach his 31st fifty off 63 balls, seemingly in control until Nahid delivered a deceptive ball. Babar, who hit 10 boundaries in his 84-ball innings, chipped the ball straight to Mushfiqur Rahim after being confused by Nahid's variation of pace, ending his 63-run partnership with Agha. Babar commented, “We started well, but we could not build long partnerships. Me and Salman Agha were trying to build one in the middle, but unfortunately we could not continue it. In test cricket, you need two or three good partnerships.”
Bangladesh Extends Lead
Taijul then took the wicket of Agha, who scored 21 runs, before dismissing Mohammad Rizwan and Hasan. Pakistan lost three wickets rapidly. Sajid Khan then pushed Pakistan past 200 by aggressively batting against the Bangladesh bowlers. Nahid returned to end Khan’s 28-ball innings of 38 runs, which included two fours and four sixes, concluding Pakistan's innings.
Despite losing Tanzid Hasan early in their second innings, Mahmudul and Mominul Haque established a 76-run partnership for the second wicket, maintaining Bangladesh's advantage. Pacer Mohammad Abbas broke this partnership after Mahmudul reached his sixth fifty. Khurram Shahzad then removed Mominul (30) with the final ball of the day. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was batting on 13 runs at stumps.