Bangladesh tighten grip in Sylhet Test, Pakistan fight on despite resistance from Babar Azam

Bangladesh remained firmly in control of the second Test in Sylhet after ending day two in a commanding 156-run first-innings lead. The hosts had earlier posted 278 all out, built on a stunning century from Litton Das, while Pakistan were bowled out for 232 in reply. Mahmudul Hasan Joy then made amends in his first innings with a fluent half-century, helping Bangladesh extend their advantage and putting Pakistan under immediate pressure to reach 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, hitting 10 boundaries. Opening the innings, he provided early stability after dismissing debutant Tanzid Hasan Tamim. He then stitched together a crucial 76 with Mominul Haque contributing a steady 30 off 60 balls before Khurram Shahzad dismissed him just short of the stumps.

Pakistan’s response again revolved around Babar Azam, who battled hard in the testing corner conditions. Babar produced a technically sound 68 off 84 balls, hitting 10 boundaries as he looked to rebuild the innings after early setbacks. He looked in control in phases, rotating the strike and holding the innings together, but lacked meaningful support from the other end. His resistance ended when Nahid Rana dismissed him and Mushfiqur Rahim completed the catch.

PAKISTAN ON THE BACK FOOT AGAIN

Despite Babar’s efforts, Pakistan failed to erase the deficit and eventually conceded another disadvantage as the Bangladeshi bowlers maintained disciplined lines and made effective use of the conditions. The middle order again failed to fire, with the key batting falling cheaply under pressure and 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 hitting lifted Pakistan’s score briefly and offered hope of closing the gap. However, once he was dismissed, the lower order collapsed quickly and Pakistan failed to secure a first innings lead.

The Bangladesh bowlers remained disciplined throughout, ensuring long partnerships did not develop, and kept disrupting the momentum at crucial stages. Their control with both seam and spin kept Pakistan on the back foot for most of the innings.

At the end of the third day, Bangladesh will be satisfied with their position. Najmul Hossain Shanto, unbeaten on 13, will be looking to extend the lead and put the match beyond Pakistan’s reach. Pakistan, despite a struggling half-century from Babar Azam and a quick cameo from Sajid Khan, remain firmly behind and fighting to stay in the competition, with Bangladesh firmly in control of the Sylhet Test.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

17 May 2026 18:29 IST