Bangladesh completed another memorable chapter in their Test cricket journey after defeating the Pakistan national cricket team by 78 runs in the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium to whitewash the series 2-0. The victory sealed Bangladesh’s second consecutive Test series sweep against Pakistan, underscoring the hosts’ growing strength in the longest format. After a resounding victory in the opening Test, Bangladesh once again defeated Pakistan in all departments to complete a historic clean sweep.Latin Das rescues Bangladesh after an early collapsePakistan got off to a great start after opting to bowl first on a lively Sylhet surface. Mohammad Abbas struck in the opening over, causing dramatic havoc as Bangladesh slumped to 116/6 against a disciplined pace attack. As the hosts cruised towards a paltry total, Latin Das scored a brilliant counter-attacking century to revive the innings. His fearless innings dragged Bangladesh to 278 runs in the first innings. On behalf of Pakistan, Khurram Shehzad took four wickets with great support from Abbas, Hasan Ali and Sajid Khan in a brilliant bowling performance. Bangladeshi bowlers destroyed Pakistan’s batting.Pakistan’s reply quickly crumbled under constant pressure from Bangladesh’s pace and spin attack. Tasin Ahmad removed both openers early on to leave the visitors in trouble at 23/2. Although Babar Azam fought back with a brilliant 68, Pakistan’s middle order was once again devastated after being dismissed by Naheed Rana. Bangladesh’s spin attack tightened its grip as wickets fell to restrict Pakistan to just 230 despite a late cameo from Sajid Khan. Bangladesh have a significant lead of 46 runs in the first innings.Bangladesh took full advantage of this lead in the second innings. Veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim scored his 14th Test century by playing a brilliant innings of 137 runs. Latin Das continued his fine form with a fluent 69, while Mahmoodul Hasan Joy added a crucial fifty at the top. Bangladesh eventually set Pakistan a tough target of 437 runs on a deteriorating 5th day.Rizwan and Salman raise hopes before sealing Taijul’s victoryPakistan’s chase looked impossible, but the visitors put up a spirited fightback led by captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam. Shaun scored 71 runs while Babar scored 47 runs, before Bangladesh spinner Tejul Islam removed both batsmen to take control.However, Pakistan refused to surrender as Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha put together a brilliant 134-run partnership that briefly shifted the momentum back to the tourists. Salman scored 71 before Taijul broke the stand late on the fourth day, while Rizwan remained not out on 75.The final morning began in dramatic fashion with Pakistan scoring quick runs through Rizwan and Sajid Khan. But Bangladesh captain Najamul Hussain Shanto showed an important strategy by bringing Tejul Islam back into the attack. The left-arm spinner had immediate success, dismissing Sajid Khan for 28 to complete his 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.Soon after, Rizwan’s heroic innings ended short of a century when he bowled Sharaful Islam for 94. Tejol then wrapped up the innings by dismissing Khurram Shahzad for a wicket, and finished the match with impressive figures of 6/120 and nine wickets.Bangladesh eventually bowled Pakistan out for 358 runs to complete a famous victory by 78 runs to win the series 2–0.
