Pakistan Elects to Field Against Bangladesh in Second Test Match

A brilliant century from Litton Das helped Bangladesh recover to post 278 all out before Pakistan reached 21 without loss at stumps on the first day of the second Test in Sylhet.

After winning the toss and opting to field in a bid to level the two-match series, Pakistan made a strong start. Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas struck twice in his opening spell to reduce the hosts to 44 for two. During this period, Abbas also reached the milestone of 100 Test wickets, becoming the fifth Pakistani to do so. Khurram Shahzad then claimed the third wicket as Bangladesh went to lunch at 101 for three.

The visitors maintained their dominance in the second session, picking up three more wickets to leave Bangladesh struggling at 168 for six by the tea break.

However, Das led a remarkable fightback, playing a superb knock of 126 to anchor the innings. His century was instrumental in lifting Bangladesh from a precarious position to a competitive first-innings total. Other contributions came from Najmul Hossain Shanto (29), Tanzid Hasan (26), and Mushfiqur Rahim (23).

For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, followed by Abbas with three. Hasan Ali claimed two wickets before being stretchered off the field with an injury sustained while fielding, while Sajid Khan took one.

In reply, openers Azan Awais (13*) and Abdullah Fazal (8*) saw Pakistan safely to the close of play. The team made three changes for the match, with Babar Azam, Sajid Khan, and Khurram Shahzad replacing Imam-ul-Haq, Shaheen Afridi, and Noman Ali.

Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first in the second test match against Bangladesh. At the lunch break, the hosts had scored 100 runs for the loss of three wickets. The national team has made three changes to its playing eleven for this match. Captain Babar Azam has returned to the team, along with Sajid Khan and Khurram Shahzad.