Bangladesh complete Test series whitewash, beat Pakistan by 78 runs
Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 78 runs in the second Test and won the two-match series 2-0 here on Wednesday.
Pakistan were bowled out for 358 on the fifth morning chasing a win mark of 437 runs. Mohammad Rizwan returned at 75 but failed to finish his century and was out for 94. His knock included 10 fours.
Overnight batsman Sajid Khan, who was on eight, played hard but Taijul dismissed him for 28 runs, which included five fours. Khurram Shahzad was his sixth victim who could not open his account.
Pakistan’s batting line-up disintegrated late on day four with a decisive six-wicket session from Taijul Islam.
The visitors started their batting again with a target of 121 but lost their remaining three wickets fast to hand down Bangladesh yet another triumph.
DAY 4
Pakistan started their pursuit in the last session with Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha steadying the innings against a disciplined Bangladesh attack. The duo made a critical 134-run sixth wicket stand to help Pakistan recover after early setbacks.
Rizwan’s controlled effort kept the innings together to earn his 14th Test fifty, while Salman scored another vital half-century in first-class cricket. Their stand took Pakistan beyond 250 and temporarily kept alive hopes of a victorious pursuit.
The breakthrough finally came with the dismissal of Salman for 71 off 102 deliveries, an innings embellished with six boundaries and a six, by Taijul. Pakistan’s woes compounded shortly thereafter as Hasan Ali went for naught, giving Taijul his fourth wicket of the innings.
Pakistan were 316-7 in 86 overs at stumps, needing 121 for win with Rizwan unbeaten on 75 and Sajid Khan on eight.
Earlier in the day Pakistan had a cautious start from openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal but Nahid Rana dismissed Fazal for six to break a 27-run opening stand.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz then dismissed Azan for 21 to make it 41-2 for Pakistan. Babar Azam and Shan Masood answered with a good partnership which took the visitors past 100.
Bangladesh, however, bounced back well in the second period. Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam took the wickets of Babar, Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood in quick succession before tea to swing momentum back in the hosts’ favour.
Babar fought his way to 47 from 52 deliveries while Saud managed only six. Shan fought for 71 off 116 deliveries for his 14th Test fifty before falling to Taijul.
Despite the middle-order collapse, Rizwan and Salman dug in and rebuilt the innings with grit, keeping Pakistan alive in the chase going into the final day.