Bangladesh are on the Verge of a Historic Test Series Win Against Pakistan
Bangladesh are on the verge of a Historic Test Series Win Against Pakistan: Bangladesh are on the verge of securing a historic 2-0 series whitewash over Pakistan after a formidable display by their pace duo, Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana, who skittled out the hosts for a modest 172 runs in their second innings on Monday.
Needing just 185 runs to win the second test, Bangladesh responded positively, reaching 42 without loss in seven overs before bad light and a subsequent downpour at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium forced an early end to the penultimate day’s play. Zakir Hasan was the star of the brief chase, remaining unbeaten on 31, including two towering sixes, while Shadman Islam provided steady support at the other end with nine runs. Bangladesh now requires just 143 more runs to claim their second consecutive victory against Pakistan.
Earlier in the day, Hasan Mahmud (5-43) and Nahid Rana (4-44) were in sublime form with the ball, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup after they resumed their innings at nine for two. Taskin Ahmed drew first blood by dismissing the overnight batter, Saim Ayub, for 20. Nahid Rana then orchestrated a spectacular collapse, taking three wickets in three overs and rattling the hosts.
Pakistan’s opening woes continued as a tentative Shan Masood (28) slashed at a wide delivery, while captain Babar Azam’s poor run of form persisted, edging a Nahid delivery to Shadman Islam at first slip for just 11.
Mohammad Rizwan (43) offered some resistance but could have been dismissed for a golden duck had Shadman not spilled a routine catch at slip. Rizwan, who later got hit on the helmet by a sharp bouncer from Nahid, managed to counter-attack but could not prevent the inevitable collapse. Nahid claimed the scalp of Saud Shakeel, intensifying the pressure on Pakistan.
After the lunch interval, Hasan Mahmud struck in quick succession, dismissing Rizwan and Mohammad Ali on consecutive deliveries. His fiery spell also claimed the wicket of Abrar Ahmed. Salman Agha put up a fight with a gritty unbeaten 47, but Hasan Mahmud ended Pakistan’s innings by removing Mir Hamza, completing his maiden five-wicket haul in just his third test.
Bangladesh is now on the brink of a historic series win, having secured their first-ever test victory against Pakistan with a commanding 10-wicket triumph in the opening match on August 25. With a mere 143 runs needed and all 10 wickets intact, Bangladesh is firmly positioned to celebrate a memorable series sweep on foreign soil.
