The optimism of an overnight steady start evaporated rapidly for Pakistan on the second morning of the second Test, as Bangladesh’s bowlers delivered a ruthless and disciplined spell to seize control at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Resuming at a seemingly comfortable 21 for no loss, the visitors suffered a catastrophic top-order collapse, crawling to lunch at 96 for 4 in response to the hosts’ first-innings total of 278.
Taskin’s Double Strike Shatters Early Calm
The day began with immediate disaster for Pakistan. Pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed produced a devastating opening burst, finding movement and extracting sharp bounce to dismantle the stumps. He struck twice in quick succession, removing opener Azan Awais for 13 and Abdullah Fazal for 9, leaving Pakistan reeling at a precarious 23 for 2. The initial resistance had been broken, exposing the middle order to a charged-up home attack under overcast skies.
Mehidy Spins a Web to Deepen the Crisis
Captain Shan Masood and the talismanic Babar Azam attempted to rebuild the innings with a cautious 38-run partnership. However, just as the pair looked set to guide their team to safer ground, Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz intervened. The off-spinner outfoxed Masood, trapping him leg-before for 21 to break the stand. Mehidy struck again moments later, dismissing Saud Shakeel for a mere 8 runs as the batter failed to read a delivery that skidded on. At 79 for 4, the visitors were in deep trouble.
Babar Azam, however, stood as the solitary pillar of resistance. Displaying immense composure and elegant strokeplay, he remained unbeaten on 37 at the interval. He found a temporary ally in Agha Salman, who was not out on 6, as the duo navigated the final overs before lunch without further loss.
Liton Das Heroics Set the Stage
The morning’s drama was set up by a remarkable lower-order fightback from Bangladesh on Day 1. The hosts had been in dire straits at 116 for 6, but wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das played a monumental innings. His brilliant 126 off 159 balls, featuring 16 boundaries and two sixes, resurrected the innings. He forged crucial partnerships of over 60 runs each with tailenders Taijul Islam (16) and Shoriful Islam (12 not out), pushing the total to a respectable 278.
For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4 for 81. Mohammad Abbas provided solid support with three wickets, while Hasan Ali claimed two. However, their efforts were overshadowed first by Liton’s counter-attack and now by their own team’s batting frailty, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the remainder of the Test.
