Pakistan trail Bangladesh by 46 after first innings despite Babar’s resistance

Pakistan national cricket team were bowled out for 232 in reply to Bangladesh national cricket team’s 278 on the second day of the Test in Sylhet, handing the hosts a valuable 46-run first-innings lead.

Pakistan’s innings was anchored by Babar Azam, who scored a composed 68 off 84 deliveries, but the visitors failed to build meaningful partnerships around him. Late resistance from Sajid Khan narrowed the deficit after an aggressive cameo of 38 from just 28 balls.

Bangladesh’s bowling attack shared the spoils, with fast bowler Nahid Rana and spinner Taijul Islam claiming three wickets apiece. Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with two wickets each.

Pakistan endured an early collapse after resuming play. Taskin struck twice in quick succession to remove debutants Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais, leaving the visitors under pressure in the opening session. Fazal edged behind, while Awais miscued a delivery onto his pads and was caught at short midwicket.

Captain Shan Masood managed 21 before falling to Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who also dismissed Saud Shakeel soon after. Shakeel attempted a sweep but only succeeded in ballooning a catch to wicketkeeper Litton Das.

Babar Azam then steadied the innings with a 63-run partnership alongside Salman Agha. Babar looked in fluent touch, striking ten boundaries with a mix of crisp drives and controlled cuts. However, his innings ended when he lofted Nahid Rana to mid-on, marking the third consecutive Test in which Rana has dismissed him.

Taijul Islam triggered another collapse by removing Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan, and Hasan Ali in quick succession. Rizwan’s dismissal left Pakistan without any recognized batters, but Sajid Khan counterattacked late in the innings.

The all-rounder entertained with four sixes, including three consecutive maximums off Taijul Islam, before eventually falling to Nahid Rana. Sajid’s aggressive approach helped Pakistan reduce the deficit significantly before the innings ended at 232.

Earlier, Bangladesh were bowled out for 278 thanks largely to a magnificent century from Litton Das. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 126, hitting 16 fours and two sixes while farming the strike effectively with the lower order.

Pakistan’s pace attack impressed during Bangladesh’s innings, with Mir Hamza Shahzad leading the effort with figures of 4 for 81 as the visitors claimed nine wickets through their fast bowlers.

With a 46-run lead in hand, Bangladesh will now look to build a commanding advantage in their second innings as the Test heads into a crucial third day.