Sylhet, Bangladesh: Spinner Taijul Islam took six wickets as Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 78 runs in the second Test on Wednesday to win the two-match series 2-0.
Pakistan, who started the fifth day on 316-7 chasing a record 437, were bowled out for 358 in the first session in Sylhet after Mohammad Rizwan hit a valiant 94.
Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam led Bangladesh’s bowling attack with a decisive spell that triggered Pakistan’s collapse after the visitors resumed day five under pressure.
Pakistan had ended day four on 316-7, still needing 121 runs to salvage a draw, with Rizwan unbeaten after a resilient partnership with Salman Ali Agha.
Rizwan top-scored for Pakistan with 75 not out, while Salman made 71 during a crucial 134-run sixth-wicket stand that briefly revived Pakistan’s hopes.
However, Bangladesh struck repeatedly after Salman’s dismissal, with Taijul removing Hasan Ali for a duck as Pakistan’s resistance faded.
Earlier in the innings, captain Shan Masood scored 71 while Babar Azam contributed 47, but Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals after a steady start.
Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam made key breakthroughs during the middle sessions, preventing Pakistan from building lasting partnerships.
Bangladesh had earlier posted 278 in their first innings, thanks largely to Litton Das’s brilliant 126, before bowling Pakistan out for 232 to secure a 46-run first-innings lead.
In the second innings, Mushfiqur Rahim strengthened Bangladesh’s grip on the match with a commanding 137, helping the hosts reach 390 and set Pakistan an imposing victory target.
Pakistan pacer Khurram Shahzad impressed with four wickets in both Bangladesh innings but received little support from the rest of the bowling attack.
The series defeat marks another major setback for Pakistan in red-ball cricket, while Bangladesh celebrated one of the most significant Test achievements in the country’s history.
