Bangladesh strengthened their position on the second day of the Sylhet Test, ending play at 110 for 3 in their second innings with an overall lead of 156 runs against Pakistan on Sunday.
The hosts earlier dismissed Pakistan for 232 after posting 278 in the first innings, securing a lead of 46 runs. Bangladesh then produced a steady reply in the second innings, led by Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s composed half-century.
Mahmudul struck 52 from 64 balls with ten boundaries before falling to Mohammad Abbas. Mominul Haque added 30, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 13 at stumps.
Pakistan’s bowlers made early inroads when Khurram Shahzad removed Tanzid Hasan for four, but Bangladesh recovered through a solid partnership between Mahmudul and Mominul.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s bowlers combined effectively to restrict Pakistan after Babar Azam’s fighting 68 had briefly steadied the visitors. Sajid Khan provided late resistance with an aggressive 38 from 28 balls, striking four sixes.
Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam claimed three wickets each, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz shared four wickets between them.
Pakistan’s innings began poorly as Taskin dismissed openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais in quick succession. Mehidy then removed Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel to leave Pakistan struggling.
Babar and Salman Agha added 63 runs for the fifth wicket before Rana dismissed Babar, who struck ten fours during his innings. Taijul later removed Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan in successive blows.
Pakistan lost their final wickets rapidly despite Sajid’s counter-attack, with Rana finishing the innings by dismissing Khurram Shahzad and Sajid Khan.
At the close, Bangladesh held firm control of the match with seven wickets remaining in the second innings.
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