Bangladesh remained firmly in control of the second Test in Sylhet after ending Day 2 in a commanding position with a first-innings lead of 156 runs. The hosts had earlier posted 278 all out, built on a stupendous century from Litton Das, while Pakistan were bowled out for 232 in reply. Mahmudul Hasan Joy then made amends for his first-innings duck with a fluent half-century, helping Bangladesh extend their advantage and putting Pakistan under immediate pressure heading into Day 3.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 2nd Test Day 2: Highlights | Scorecard
Joy, who failed to open his account in the first innings, responded with a composed 52 off 64 balls, striking 10 boundaries. Opening the innings, he provided early stability after the dismissal of debutant Tanzid Hasan Tamim. He then stitched a crucial 76-run stand with Mominul Haque, who contributed a steady 30 off 60 balls before being dismissed by Khurram Shahzad just before stumps.
Pakistan’s response once again revolved around Babar Azam, who fought hard in testing conditions on a turning surface. Babar produced a technically assured 68 off 84 balls, hitting 10 boundaries as he attempted to rebuild the innings after early setbacks. He looked in control at stages, rotating strike and holding the innings together, but lacked meaningful support from the other end. His resistance ended when Nahid Rana dismissed him, with Mushfiqur Rahim completing the catch.
PAKISTAN ON THE BACKFOOT AGAIN
Despite Babar’s effort, Pakistan could not erase the deficit and ultimately conceded a further disadvantage, as Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained disciplined lines and exploited the conditions effectively. The middle order once again failed to fire, with key batters falling cheaply under pressure, preventing any sustained recovery.
One of the few positives for Pakistan came from Sajid Khan, who played a counter-attacking cameo of 38 off 28 balls. His aggressive knock briefly lifted Pakistan’s scoring rate and offered hope of narrowing the gap. However, once he was dismissed, the lower order collapsed quickly, and Pakistan failed to secure a first-innings lead.
Bangladesh’s bowlers remained disciplined throughout, ensuring no long partnerships developed and consistently breaking momentum at crucial stages. Their control with both seam and spin kept Pakistan on the back foot for most of the innings.
By the end of Day 3, Bangladesh will be satisfied with their position. Najmul Hossain Shanto, unbeaten on 13, will look to extend the lead further and put the match beyond Pakistan’s reach. Pakistan, despite Babar Azam’s fighting half-century and Sajid Khan’s quick cameo, remain firmly behind and struggling to stay in the contest, with Bangladesh firmly in control of the Sylhet Test.
– Ends
