Bangladesh’s pacemen Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana shared nine wickets on the fourth day of the second Test against Pakistan, setting Bangladesh on course for a historic series victory. Hasan took 5-43 while Nahid added 4-44, both achieving career-best figures. With Pakistan being dismissed for 172 in their second innings, Bangladesh was given a target of 185 for securing a 2-0 series win in Rawalpindi.
Leading the two-match series 1-0 after a surprising win in Rawalpindi last month, Bangladesh needs another 143 runs on the final day to secure the victory. While acknowledging that Bangladesh is the favorites, Pakistan’s head coach Jason Gillespie stated that his team would fight until the last ball on the final day of the second Test. He expressed confidence that despite the odds favoring Bangladesh, his bowlers could make an impact with the ball.
Pakistan had been struggling at 117-6 at lunch, with Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha fighting to save the hosts before Hasan ended their 55-run stand. With Rizwan getting caught behind for 43 and Mohammad Ali caught in the slips for a golden duck, Pakistan’s innings was wrapped up with Hasan taking five wickets. Salman, top-scoring with 47, added 27 for the last wicket with Mir Hamza before Hasan completed the innings with his fifth wicket.
The morning session belonged to 21-year-old Nahid, who dismissed Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Saud Shakeel early on. Saim Ayub fell for 20 to a brilliant catch by Najmul Hossain at mid-off, and Pakistan skipper Masood was caught behind by Liton off a wild shot. Nahid’s third dismissal was Shakeel, and he ended up with figures of 3-22 off five overs for lunch. Hasan expressed his happiness with his first five-wicket haul, contributing to his team’s good position.
Despite being overshadowed by Bangladesh’s strong bowling attack, Pakistan is not backing down from the challenge. Gillespie emphasized that his team is well aware of the situation and is prepared to make an impact with the ball. With only 143 runs needed to secure victory on the final day of the Test, Pakistan is determined to fight till the end and make the most of the opportunity.
As the opening batsmen Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam raced to 42 without loss, the rain clouds gathered and bad light suspended play after the tea break. Bangladesh’s victory will mark a historical moment, as they have won only two series away from home prior to this. While the odds seem to be in favor of Bangladesh, the determination of Pakistan to bounce back and give a tough competition is evident in their performance on the field.
