Babar Azam Resists as Bangladesh Bowlers Dominate Pakistan in Second Test
A Morning of Struggle in Sylhet
The second day of the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh at Sylhet has proven to be a nightmare for the visiting side. Coming into the morning session at 21 for no loss, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled under relentless pressure, finding themselves at 96 for 4 by the time lunch was called. With a deficit of 182 runs still looming, the spotlight has fallen squarely on Babar Azam to rescue his team from a position of deep trouble.
Taskin and Mehidy Lead the Charge
The morning session belonged entirely to the Bangladesh bowling attack. Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz showcased exceptional discipline and skill, dismantling the Pakistani top order with two wickets apiece. Taskin, in particular, set the tone early, striking in only the second over of the day. He forced an edge from Abdullah Fazal, which was brilliantly caught by Litton Das, who dived sharply to his left to secure the breakthrough.
The pressure remained constant as Shoriful Islam, returning to the Test side after an 18-month absence, tested Azan Awais with a series of probing deliveries. The relentless pressure paid off when Taskin claimed his second wicket, trapping Awais at short midwicket following an inside edge. The visitors struggled to find their rhythm, and just as a sense of stability began to form, the spin of Mehidy Hasan Miraz proved too much to handle.
Middle-Order Collapse
Captain Shan Masood was the next to depart, falling to Mehidy in his very first over. Masood, who managed to score 21 runs, struck a back-foot punch directly to substitute fielder Nayeem Hasan at cover. The frustration continued for Pakistan as Saud Shakeel, looking to find form after a lackluster series, top-edged a sweep shot that landed safely in the hands of Litton Das. Shakeel’s departure for just eight runs leaves Pakistan in a vulnerable spot, with the team relying heavily on the experience of Babar Azam.
As of the lunch break, Babar Azam remains unbeaten on 37, displaying the grit and technical proficiency required for such a high-stakes scenario. He is joined at the crease by Salman Agha, who is currently six not out. The duo faces a monumental task in the afternoon session to rebuild the innings and close the significant 182-run gap.
Recapping the Bangladesh First Innings
It is worth noting that Pakistan’s current struggle is set against the backdrop of a fighting performance by Bangladesh in their first innings. The hosts were bowled out for 278, a score that looked improbable when they were reeling at 116 for 6 just an hour after lunch on the opening day.
Litton Das played a magnificent rescue innings, scoring a brilliant 126. This performance marked his third century against Pakistan and his sixth overall in Test cricket. Litton’s resilience was supported by the lower order, as he combined for a crucial 162-run partnership with Taijul Islam, Taskin, and Shoriful. The lower-order batters demonstrated immense character, consuming 87 balls to support Litton’s aggressive strokeplay, which included 16 fours and two sixes. On the bowling front, Khurram Shahzad was the standout for Pakistan, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 81, well-supported by Mohammad Abbas, who claimed 3 for 45.
Looking Ahead
The remainder of the second day will be critical. If Pakistan hopes to challenge Bangladesh’s total, they must avoid further collapses and string together long partnerships. The pitch at Sylhet is offering assistance to the bowlers, and with the match evenly poised in terms of intensity, the coming hours will determine whether Pakistan can claw their way back into the contest or if Bangladesh will tighten their grip on the series finale.
