Babar Azam Leads Pakistan Recovery Against Dominant Bangladesh in Second Test
A Challenging Morning for the Visitors
The second day of the second Test in Sylhet has delivered a massive statement of intent from Bangladesh. After posting a competitive total of 278 in their first innings, the hosts seized control early on day two, leaving Pakistan reeling at 96 for 4 by the lunch interval. The visitors currently trail by 182 runs, with the pressure firmly on their middle-order to salvage the innings.
Taskin and Mehidy Lead the Charge
The morning session belonged entirely to the Bangladeshi bowling unit. Taskin Ahmed, in particular, was exceptional, setting the tone early by dismissing Abdullah Fazal in the second over. The ball moved late outside the off-stump, finding the edge and nestling safely into the hands of Litton Das, who dived sharply to his left.
Shoriful Islam, making a welcome return to the Test side after an 18-month hiatus, provided excellent support at the other end. While he didn’t find the breakthrough immediately, he consistently beat the bat, creating immense pressure that allowed Taskin to strike again soon after, forcing an inside edge from Azan Awais that was comfortably caught at short midwicket.
The Spin Trap
Just as Pakistan looked to steady the ship, the introduction of Mehidy Hasan Miraz proved to be a tactical masterstroke. In his very first over, Mehidy accounted for Pakistan captain Shan Masood. Masood, who had managed 21 runs, struck a back-foot punch with intent, but it went straight to substitute fielder Nayeem Hasan at cover.
Mehidy’s impact was immediate, and he struck again shortly before the break. Saud Shakeel, looking to rotate the strike, top-edged a sweep shot that was easily gathered by Litton Das. Shakeel’s departure for just eight runs—following a difficult outing in the first Test in Dhaka—left Pakistan in a precarious position at 96 for 4.
Babar Azam’s Crucial Stand
Amidst the collapse, Babar Azam has emerged as the beacon of hope for Pakistan. Making his return to the playing XI after missing the Dhaka Test due to injury, Babar has looked composed under fire. He headed into the lunch break unbeaten on 37, accompanied by Salman Agha, who is batting on six.
The pair will need to navigate a tricky afternoon session as the surface continues to offer assistance to the bowlers. Pakistan’s ability to forge a significant partnership here will likely dictate the outcome of the remainder of the Test match.
Reflecting on Day One
The current situation follows an impressive recovery by Bangladesh on the first day. The hosts had collapsed to 116 for 6 shortly after lunch, but Litton Das’s magnificent 126 turned the tide. It was Litton’s third Test century against Pakistan and his sixth overall, serving as the cornerstone of the Bangladeshi innings.
Crucially, Litton found support from the lower order. He added 162 runs in partnership with Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam, occupying the crease for 87 vital balls. His innings, studded with 16 fours and two sixes, provided his bowlers with a total worth defending. On the bowling front, Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad was the standout performer with four wickets, while Mohammad Abbas provided disciplined support with three.
As the teams head into the afternoon session, the narrative is clear: Pakistan must bat with patience and resilience to bridge the 182-run gap, while Bangladesh will be looking to capitalize on their early momentum to wrap up the tail and establish a dominant lead.
