Bangladesh added yet another standout chapter to their Test campaign, defeating Pakistan by 78 runs in the second match at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium to complete a 2-0 series whitewash. The result gave the hosts a second consecutive Test series sweep over Pakistan, highlighting their growing authority in the longest format. Following their breakthrough win in the opening Test, Bangladesh once again controlled proceedings from start to finish to script a historic clean sweep.
Key takeaways
- Bangladesh won the second Test by 78 runs at Sylhet to clinch the series 2-0.
- Litton Das’ century anchored Bangladesh after an early collapse left them reeling at 116/6.
- Mushfiqur Rahim scored 137 as Bangladesh set Pakistan a steep chase of 437 on Day 5.
- Taijul Islam produced a decisive spell, finishing with 6/120 and taking nine wickets in the match.
- Pakistan were bowled out for 358, sealing a complete series sweep for Bangladesh.
Litton Das’ century rescues Bangladesh after early trouble
Pakistan opted to bowl first on a lively Sylhet pitch, and the move initially paid off. Mohammad Abbas struck in the opening over, sparking a sharp downturn as Bangladesh slid to 116/6 under pressure from a disciplined pace attack. With the innings looking destined for a modest total, Litton Das stepped up in the best possible way.
His counter-attacking century reversed the momentum and steadied the innings with fearless intent. The knock helped Bangladesh reach 278 in their first innings, turning a shaky platform into a competitive score. For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad was the standout with four wickets, while Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali and Sajid Khan also contributed to the collapse that preceded Litton’s recovery.
Bangladesh dominate the first innings, then go on to set a massive target
Pakistan’s response quickly unraveled under sustained pressure from Bangladesh’s pace and spin. Taskin Ahmed struck early to remove both openers, leaving the visitors at 23/2. Babar Azam did offer resistance with a well-made 68 after returning, but the middle order failed to hold firm once he was dismissed by Nahid Rana.
As Bangladesh’s spinners tightened the screws, wickets tumbled in clusters and Pakistan were kept under constant strain. Even with a late cameo from Sajid Khan, the visitors managed just over 230, and Bangladesh held a crucial 46-run advantage after the first innings.
That edge became the foundation for a far more imposing second-innings display. Mushfiqur Rahim led the charge with a brilliant 137, marking his 14th Test century. Litton Das continued to look in rhythm, adding a fluent 69, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy contributed a valuable fifty higher up the order.
With the pitch deteriorating by Day 5, Bangladesh eventually set Pakistan a challenging target of 437 runs.
Rizwan, Salman fight back, but Taijul seals it
Pakistan’s chase started as something of a long shot, yet the tourists showed grit and determination. Shan Masood struck 71 and Babar Azam made 47 as they attempted to shift the contest back in their favour. Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam then removed both established batters to restore control.
Pakistan refused to fold, however. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha stitched together a strong 134-run partnership that briefly reignited the chase. Salman struck 71 during the stand, and Taijul finally broke it late on Day 4. Rizwan remained unbeaten overnight on 75, keeping Pakistan alive heading into the final day.
The last morning began with Pakistan adding quick runs through Rizwan and Sajid Khan. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto responded with a tactical change, bringing Taijul back into the attack. The left-arm spinner immediately delivered the breakthrough, dismissing Sajid Khan for 28 and completing his 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Rizwan’s innings ended agonisingly short of a century when he was caught in the gully off Shoriful Islam for 94. Taijul then finished the job by removing Khurram Shahzad for a duck. He ended with outstanding match figures of 6/120 and nine wickets in total.
In the end, Bangladesh bowled Pakistan out for 358 to secure a famous 78-run win and complete a flawless 2-0 series triumph.
