Bangladesh in Firm Control of Second Test After Pakistan Collapse
Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s half-century solidified Bangladesh’s dominant position over Pakistan at the close of day two of the second Test in Sylhet, leaving the hosts with a substantial 156-run lead.
Bangladesh, who already lead the two-match series 1-0, finished the day on 110-3 in their second innings. After a first-innings duck, Joy responded with an aggressive 52 from 64 balls before being dismissed by Mohammad Abbas. Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad was also effective for the tourists, claiming the wickets of Tanzid Hasan for four and Mominul Haque for 30 in the day’s final over. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 13.
Earlier, Pakistan was dismissed for 232 in their first innings, conceding a 46-run lead. Babar Azam provided the only significant resistance with a fluent 68, but the batting lineup faltered around him. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam and pacer Nahid Rana were the chief destroyers, each taking three wickets, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz also chipped in with crucial early breakthroughs.
Following the day’s play, Babar Azam identified his and Salman Ali Agha’s dismissals as the match’s turning point, which shifted the momentum. He noted that while the pitch was good for batting, Pakistan’s inability to build significant partnerships was a critical failure. Azam acknowledged it is a recurring issue that when one wicket falls, others follow quickly, a problem he said the players and coaches are actively trying to resolve.
Azam praised Bangladeshi pacer Nahid Rana as a “quality” red-ball bowler but denied any mental fatigue in the squad despite a heavy schedule. For his part, Rana expressed confidence, stating Bangladesh would aim to bat for the entire third day to build an insurmountable lead. Bangladesh’s strong position was initially set up by Litton Das’s remarkable first-innings century of 126, which rescued his team from 116-6 to a total of 278.
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Updated: 2:40 AM PKT — May 19, 2026
Bangladesh has set Pakistan a formidable target of 437 runs to win after being dismissed for 390 in their second innings, a total built around Mushfiqur Rahim’s unbeaten 137. For Pakistan, pacer Faheem Ashraf was the most successful bowler, taking four wickets, while spinner Sajid Khan claimed three. A successful chase by Pakistan would be the highest in the history of Test cricket.
Updated: 10:17 PM PKT — May 18, 2026
Bangladesh set Pakistan a target of 437 runs to win with two days of play remaining, firmly pushing for a series whitewash. The hosts’ second innings was anchored by a century from Mushfiqur Rahim. Pacer Khurram Shahzad was the most successful of the tourists’ bowlers, finishing the innings with four wickets.
Updated: 6:01 PM PKT — May 18, 2026
Bangladesh has set Pakistan a formidable target of 437 runs to win after being bowled out for 390 in their second innings, anchored by a century from Mushfiqur Rahim (133). Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad was the most successful bowler for the tourists, finishing with four wickets. Pakistan started their chase before the close of play, ending the day without the loss of any wicket.
Updated: 9:47 AM PKT — May 18, 2026
In reply to Bangladesh’s first-innings 278, Pakistan was dismissed for 222, conceding a 56-run lead. Captain Babar Azam was the top scorer with 62. With Bangladesh extending their advantage at the start of day three, Pakistan is now facing the possibility of a series whitewash.
Updated: 4:45 AM PKT — May 18, 2026
In their first innings, Pakistan were bowled out for 222 in response to Bangladesh’s total of 243. Pakistan captain Babar Azam top-scored for the tourists with a knock of 70.
