Sylhet: Pakistan found themselves under pressure after losing both openers early but recovered through a solid partnership between Shan Masood and Babar Azam on day four of the second Test against Bangladesh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Chasing a challenging target of 437, Pakistan reached 101/2 at lunch, still needing 336 runs for victory with eight wickets in hand.
According to Beyond Time News, the contest remains finely balanced as both teams continue to push for control in a high-stakes Test match filled with momentum shifts and standout individual performances.
Early Setback for Pakistan After Watchful Start
Pakistan resumed the day at 0/0, hoping for a disciplined start from openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal. The pair managed to add 27 runs before Bangladesh struck first.
Fast bowler Nahid Rana broke the partnership by dismissing Abdullah Fazal for 6 runs, giving the hosts an early breakthrough and lifting the home crowd’s energy.
Soon after, Mehidy Hasan Miraz joined the action by removing Azan Awais, who contributed 21 runs. His wicket left Pakistan in trouble at 41/2, putting pressure on the middle order early in the innings.
Babar Azam and Shan Masood Anchor the Innings
After the early damage, Pakistan captain Shan Masood and star batter Babar Azam stepped in to steady the innings. The duo showed patience, strong defense, and smart rotation of strike to rebuild Pakistan’s chase.
Their partnership brought calm to the innings as they carefully negotiated Bangladesh’s spin and pace attack. By lunch, Pakistan had reached 101/2, showing signs of resilience after the initial setbacks.
Shan Masood remained unbeaten on 41, playing a composed knock full of discipline and leadership. At the other end, Babar Azam looked confident and steady, remaining not out on 24.
Their partnership will be crucial for Pakistan as they continue chasing a demanding fourth-innings target.
Bangladesh’s First Innings: Litton Das Shines Bright
Bangladesh had earlier posted 278 runs in their first innings. Despite a shaky start that saw them slump to 116/6, wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das produced a brilliant rescue act.
Litton played a superb innings of 126 runs off 159 deliveries, striking 16 boundaries and 2 sixes. His knock not only stabilized the innings but also helped Bangladesh reach a competitive total.
Lower-order contributions ensured Bangladesh avoided a collapse, giving them a crucial 46-run lead over Pakistan.
Pakistan’s First Innings Struggles Despite Babar’s Effort
Pakistan’s response in the first innings ended at 232 runs, allowing Bangladesh to take a useful advantage.
Babar Azam was once again the standout performer for Pakistan, scoring 68 off 84 balls in a fighting effort. He tried to hold the innings together as wickets kept falling at the other end.
Sajid Khan provided valuable support with a quick 38 off 28 balls, adding late resistance to reduce the deficit.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack delivered a disciplined performance. Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam took three wickets each, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up two wickets apiece.
Bangladesh Second Innings Sets a Huge Target
In their second innings, Bangladesh delivered a commanding performance, scoring 390 runs and setting Pakistan a massive target of 437.
The innings was anchored by an exceptional century from Mushfiqur Rahim, whose experience proved decisive once again. His innings helped Bangladesh build a strong total that put Pakistan under significant pressure.
Pakistan’s bowlers fought hard, with Khurram Shahzad leading the attack by taking 4 wickets for 86 runs in 20 overs. Sajid Khan also contributed with 3 wickets, but Bangladesh’s batting depth proved too strong.
Pakistan Face Tough Chase on Day Four
With 336 runs still required and two sessions remaining after lunch, Pakistan face an uphill battle. However, the presence of set batters Shan Masood and Babar Azam gives them hope of mounting a serious challenge.
The pitch in Sylhet is still offering assistance to both spinners and seamers, meaning the next few sessions will be crucial in deciding the match outcome.
Pakistan will need a long partnership and disciplined batting approach if they are to chase down the target and level the series.
Match Situation Summary
- Bangladesh 1st innings: 278 all out
- Pakistan 1st innings: 232 all out
- Bangladesh 2nd innings: 390 all out
- Pakistan target: 437 runs
- Pakistan score at lunch (Day 4): 101/2
- Required: 336 runs
- Overs remaining: Crucial final sessions ahead
Bangladesh Extend Control with 249-Run Lead Against Pakistan in 2nd Test
Key Performers So Far
Bangladesh
- Litton Das: 126 (1st innings)
- Mushfiqur Rahim: Century in 2nd innings
- Nahid Rana: key wickets across innings
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: important breakthroughs
Pakistan
- Babar Azam: 68 (1st innings), unbeaten in 2nd
- Shan Masood: unbeaten 41 in chase
- Khurram Shahzad: 4 wickets in 2nd innings bowling effort
What Happens Next?
The final outcome depends heavily on how Pakistan’s top order continues after lunch. A single breakthrough could tilt the match sharply in Bangladesh’s favor, while a long partnership could bring Pakistan back into contention.
With a challenging target ahead, the next session is expected to be decisive in shaping the result of this thrilling Test match.
