Sylhet (Web Desk): Bangladesh completed a sensational clean sweep over Pakistan after sealing a convincing 78-run win in the second Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, wrapping up the two-match series 2-0.
Tasked with chasing a towering 437-run target, Pakistan’s batting unit showed resistance but eventually folded for 358, allowing the home side to celebrate a memorable series whitewash.
The final day resumed after a short rain break, with Mohammad Rizwan and Sajid Khan trying to stretch Pakistan’s hopes through an energetic partnership that added more than fifty runs and lifted the total beyond 350. Bangladesh eventually broke through when Taijul Islam dismissed Sajid, who struck a lively 28 from 36 balls with five boundaries.
Pakistan’s last major hope disappeared shortly after when Shoriful Islam removed Rizwan, who narrowly missed out on a century after compiling an excellent 94 off 166 deliveries, including 10 fours. Taijul then wrapped up the innings in style by bowling Khurram Shahzad for a duck to complete a six-wicket performance and seal victory for Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s pursuit had begun on an uneasy note after both openers departed with only 41 runs on the board. Babar Azam and captain Shan Masood then steadied the innings with an important stand for the third wicket, guiding the visitors past the 100-run mark.
Babar battled hard for his 47 before being dismissed, while Saud Shakeel could add only six runs as Pakistan slipped into trouble at 154-4. Shan continued to hold firm with a patient 71, but Taijul once again delivered a crucial breakthrough to push Bangladesh further ahead in the contest.
Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha later attempted to rebuild the chase with a valuable partnership that carried Pakistan beyond 200 and briefly revived hopes of a comeback. Their resistance, however, ended when Taijul struck again to remove Salman after a well-crafted 71. Hasan Ali also fell to the left-arm spinner as Pakistan ended the fourth day on 316-7.
Earlier, Bangladesh recovered impressively in their first innings after being reduced to 116-6, thanks largely to a magnificent innings from Litton Das, who controlled the lower-order fightback with authority.
The right-hander produced a brilliant 126-run knock featuring 16 fours and two sixes. For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad emerged as the pick of the bowlers with 4-81, while Mohammad Abbas chipped in with three wickets.
Pakistan’s response lasted 57.4 overs as they were dismissed for 232, handing Bangladesh a useful 46-run first-innings advantage. Babar Azam led the scoring with a determined 68, while Sajid Khan added an important 38 down the order.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam, who claimed three wickets each, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took two apiece.
Carrying a 46-run lead into their second innings, Bangladesh piled on the pressure and stretched their advantage through a superb 137 from Mushfiqur Rahim. Litton Das and Mahmudul Hasan Joy also made significant contributions as the hosts set Pakistan an enormous 437-run target.
Khurram Shahzad once again impressed with four wickets in the innings, while Sajid Khan picked up three. Hasan Ali and Mohammad Abbas shared the remaining wickets, but Bangladesh’s commanding batting display ultimately proved too much for Pakistan.