BAN vs PAK: Bangladesh complete historic Test 2-0 over Pakistan to win by 78 runs

Bangladesh completed a historic battle over Pakistan with a 78-run win in Sylhet (Image: ESPNcricinfo) Bangladesh wrote another memorable chapter in their Test cricket journey after defeating the Pakistan National Cricket Team by 78 runs in the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium to seal a dominant 2-0 series lead. The win marked Bangladesh’s second consecutive Test series win over Pakistan, underscoring the hosts’ growing strength in the longest format. After their breakthrough triumph in the opening Test, Bangladesh once again outclassed Pakistan across all departments to complete a historic clean sweep.Litton Das rescues Bangladesh after early collapsePakistan got off to a perfect start after opting to bowl first on the lively Sylhet surface. Mohammad Abbas struck in the opening over to trigger a dramatic collapse as Bangladesh slipped to 116/6 against a disciplined pace attack. Just when the hosts seemed to be heading for a modest total, Litton Das produced a spectacular counter-attacking century to revive the innings. His fearless knock took Bangladesh to a competitive 278 in the first innings. Khurram Shahzad bowled for Pakistan and took four wickets with strong support from Abbas, Hasan Ali and Sajid Khan. Bangladesh bowlers take apart the Pakistan battingPakistan’s reply quickly crumbled under the relentless pressure of Bangladesh’s pace and spin attack. Taskin Ahmed removed both openers early to leave the visitors 23-2 in the match. Although Babar Azam fought back with a brilliant 68 on his return, Pakistan’s middle order collapsed again after his dismissal by Nahid Rana. Bangladesh’s spin attack stepped up as wickets fell in bunches and restricted Pakistan to just over 230 despite a late cameo from Sajid Khan. Bangladesh secured a decisive lead of 46 runs in the first innings.Bangladesh made full use of this advantage in the second innings. Seasoned batsman Mushfiqur Rahim led the charge with a majestic 137, registering his 14th Test century. Litton Das continued his fine form with a smooth 69, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy came on top with an important fifty. Bangladesh eventually set Pakistan a daunting target of 437 runs on a deteriorating surface on Day 5.Rizwan and Salman spark hope before Taijul seals the winPakistan’s chase looked unlikely but the visitors produced a spirited counter-attack led by captain Shane Masood and Babar Azam. Shan hit 71 while Babar contributed 47 before Bangladeshi spinner Taijul Islam removed both set batsmen to regain control.However, Pakistan refused to give up as Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha put on a brilliant 134-run partnership that briefly shifted the momentum back towards the tourists. Salman scored 71 before Taijul finally broke the position on day 4, while Rizwan remained unbeaten on 75 overnight.The final morning got off to a dramatic start as Pakistan added quick runs through Rizwan and Sajid Khan. But Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto made a crucial tactical move by bringing Taijul Islam back into the attack. The left-arm spinner made an immediate breakthrough, dismissing Sajid Khan for 28 to complete his 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.Soon after, Rizwan’s heroic innings ended agonizingly short of a century when he bowled Shoriful Islam to gully for 94. Taijul then ended the innings by removing Khurram Shahzad for a duck to finish with excellent figures of 6/120 and nine wickets in the match.Bangladesh eventually bowled out Pakistan for 358 to complete a famous 78-run victory and complete a flawless 2-0 series triumph.