SPIN ATTACK SEALS MEMORABLE SERIES TRIUMPH
Bangladesh secured a historic 78-run victory over Pakistan in the second Test on Wednesday after spinner Taijul Islam delivered a match-winning performance to complete a memorable 2-0 series sweep in Sylhet.
The hosts successfully defended a target of 437 and bowled Pakistan out for 328 during the opening session of the fifth day. Pakistan resumed play at 316-7 and still required 121 runs for victory. However, Bangladesh quickly dismantled the remaining resistance to seal their first-ever home Test series win against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the victory also marked Bangladesh’s second consecutive series sweep against Pakistan after securing a 2-0 triumph away from home in 2024.
Pakistan remained in contention largely due to Mohammad Rizwan, who produced a determined innings of 94 from 166 deliveries after the visitors had slipped to 162-5 on the fourth day.
KEY CONTRIBUTIONS SHAPE MATCH RESULT
Rizwan also shared a valuable 54-run partnership for the eighth wicket with overnight batting partner Sajid Khan, who contributed 28 runs. However, Taijul shifted momentum firmly in Bangladesh’s favor after dismissing Sajid and claiming his 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Furthermore, Shoriful Islam removed Rizwan in the following over to end Pakistan’s hopes of an unlikely comeback. Taijul later dismissed Khurram Shahzad and finished with impressive figures of 6-120 in the second innings after taking 3-67 in the first.
Earlier, Bangladesh built strong totals through important batting performances from Litton Das, who scored 126 in the first innings and added 69 in the second. Veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim also anchored the innings with 137, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy added 52 runs.
