Mehidy Hasan Miraz, an off-spinner, trapped Pakistan in a spin web today, giving Bangladesh the upper hand in the second Test that will decide the series at Rawalpindi.
Bangladesh took the lead after the first day was ruined by the unceasing rain, owing to Miraz, who scored 5-61 while Pakistan finished with 274 points.
Bangladesh reached 10 for no loss at stumps on Day 2 after playing two overs to avoid being damaged. As Zakir Hasan had not yet opened the account, Shadman Islam was batting at six.
The majority of Pakistani batters received a start but were unable to continue, which left the team indecisive throughout the Test.In his first Test match since June 2023, Taskin Ahmed provided Miraz with a brilliant counterpunch with a 3-57.
After Bangladesh won the toss and chose to send Pakistan into bat first, Taskin, who came in for fellow bowler Shoriful Islam, who was ruled out with a groin injury, handed the team a lead in his first over.
Abdullah Shafique’s stump was rattled by the quick bowler’s excellent movement, giving him a six-ball duck.
Bangladesh was kept frustrated by the accurate play of Saim Ayub and captain Shan Masood, but Miraz came on stage to trap Masood leg-before, breaking their 107-run partnership. Masood scored fifty-seven.
He then struck once more to aid Bangladesh’s retaliation, dismissing Saim Ayub for 58.
As the match tilted towards Bangladesh, they never let it go. While Miraz and Shakib gave the control, Taskin Ahmed was fast and furious, troubling the batters with searing pace and movement.
When Taskin managed to move and unseat Saud Shakil (31) and Shakib had Babar Azam leg-before for 31, Bangladesh made another significant breakthrough with Pakistan at 179-5.
Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed for 29 by rookie fast bowler Nahid Rana, who improved Bangladesh’s standing.
Salman Agha put up a fight, but after scoring 54, Taskin overcame him.
After that, Miraz finished with a tidy wicket to record his tenth five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
