SYLHET, Bangladesh: Bangladesh moved into a commanding position against Pakistan on the second day of the second and final Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, extending their overall lead to 156 runs.
At stumps, Bangladesh were 110 for three in 26.4 overs in their second innings after dismissing Pakistan for 232.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was unbeaten on 13, while Mominul Haque fell on the final ball of the day for 30.
Bangladesh had earned a first-innings lead of 46 runs after posting 278 in their opening innings.
The hosts made a poor start to their second innings when opener Tanzid Hasan was dismissed early in the fourth over.
However, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Haque steadied the innings with a crucial 76-run partnership that shifted momentum in Bangladesh’s favour.
Joy produced an aggressive half-century, reaching the milestone off 58 deliveries.
He struck 52 from 64 balls, including 10 boundaries, before being dismissed by Mohammad Abbas.
Shanto and Haque then continued to build the lead, taking Bangladesh past the 100-run mark and stretching the advantage beyond 150 runs before Khurram Shahzad removed Haque late in the day.
Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 232 in 57.4 overs despite a fighting innings from Babar Azam.
Babar top-scored with 68 off 84 deliveries, hitting 10 fours before falling to fast bowler Nahid Rana.
Lower-order batter Sajid Khan provided late resistance with a quickfire 38 off 28 balls that included two fours and four sixes.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha scored 21 runs each, while Azan Awais and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan made 13 apiece.
Nahid and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed three wickets each for Bangladesh, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up two wickets apiece.
Bangladesh’s first-innings total was built around a superb century from Litton Das after the hosts had slipped to 116 for six shortly after lunch on the opening day.
Litton struck a composed 126 off 159 deliveries, hitting 16 fours and two sixes to rescue Bangladesh from trouble and guide them to a competitive total.
Shanto contributed 29 runs, while Tanzid Hasan made 26. Haque added 22 and veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim scored 23.
Litton also received valuable support from the lower order, sharing partnerships of more than 60 runs with Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam.
For Pakistan, Shahzad was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets for 81 runs. Abbas took three wickets, while Hasan Ali claimed two.
