Hasan’s 5-Wicket haul sets Bangladesh a target of 185

Bangladesh has maintained control in the second and final Test against Pakistan. After dismissing the hosts for a low score in the first innings and recovering from their own batting collapse, Liton Kumar Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s historic partnership helped Bangladesh stay competitive, with the difference being just 12 runs. Then, Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Nihad Rana and Hasan Mahmud, relentlessly restricted Pakistan to a small total in the second innings, leaving a manageable target for Bangladesh.

At Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan was bowled out for 172 under the pressure of Bangladesh’s pace attack. Bangladesh now has a target of 185 runs to win. None of Pakistan’s batters could reach a half-century, with Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha being the only ones to score over 40 runs. The rest of the lineup couldn’t even pass the 30-run mark. In response to Pakistan’s first-innings total of 274, Liton’s century and Miraz’s half-century brought Bangladesh to 262 runs.

Bangladesh’s pacers took all of Pakistan’s wickets. Hasan, who had claimed two wickets the previous day, took three more today. His 5 for 43 is a career-best, making him the seventh Bangladeshi pacer to claim five wickets in an innings. Notably, Hasan is the first Bangladeshi pacer to take a five-wicket haul in Pakistan. Nahid also shone, claiming four wickets—his best performance in just three Tests. Taskin Ahmed took the remaining wicket.

Starting their second innings with a 12-run lead, Pakistan resumed at 9 for 2. On the fourth day, their batsmen showed some signs of a good start, but captain Shan Masood and Saim Ayub couldn’t build a big partnership, adding only 36 runs together. Taskin broke the stand, dismissing Saim for 20. Then, Nahid Rana unleashed his fiery spell.

The 21-year-old pacer, who debuted against Sri Lanka in March, bowled with fiery pace, unsettling Pakistan’s batsmen. He claimed three wickets for 19 runs, all through edges caught behind. Shan Masood fell for 28, caught by Liton Kumar Das. Then, Nahid delivered a brilliant ball to remove Babar Azam.

Rizwan could have followed the very next ball, but Sadhman Islam Anik dropped his catch at slip. Nonetheless, Nahid soon dismissed Saud Shakeel, slightly alleviating the frustration of missing out on Rizwan’s wicket. As Pakistan slumped to 81 for 6, Rizwan and Salman built a 55-run partnership for the seventh wicket, offering some resistance.

However, Hasan Mahmud broke the stand and claimed two wickets in the same over, dismissing Rizwan for 43 off 73 balls. Hasan then removed Mohammad Ali, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble. Nahid soon returned to dismiss Abrar Ahmed, claiming his fourth wicket. Though Salman Agha fought valiantly, remaining unbeaten on 47 off 71 balls with six fours and one six, Pakistan was eventually bundled out, leaving Bangladesh with a target of 185 runs.

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