Bangladesh Tighten Grip in Sylhet Test as Pakistan Under Pressure on Day 3

Sylhet — Bangladesh have strengthened their control in the second Test against Pakistan in Sylhet, building a commanding position on the third day of play and pushing the visitors under significant pressure.

At stumps on the third day, Bangladesh were 203 for 4 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to more than 250 runs, putting them firmly on course to set a challenging target for Pakistan.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim resumed the innings from an overnight position of 110 for 3. However, Bangladesh suffered an early setback on Day 3 when Shanto was dismissed for 15 runs, falling LBW to Khurram Shahzad at a total of 115.

Earlier, Mahmudul Hasan Joy scored 52, Mominul Haque made 30, and Tanzid Hasan contributed 4 runs. Shanto remained unbeaten on 13 at the end of the second day before continuing his innings on Day 3.

For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad picked up two wickets while Mohammad Abbas claimed one.

In their first innings, Pakistan were bowled out for 232 runs after starting the day at 21 without loss. The innings collapsed despite contributions from Babar Azam (68), Sajad Khan (38), Salman Agha (21), and Mohammad Rizwan (13), while other batters failed to build substantial partnerships.

Bangladesh’s bowlers dominated the innings, with Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam taking three wickets each, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed two wickets apiece.

On the opening day, Bangladesh had posted 278 runs in their first innings, powered by a brilliant 126-run knock from Litton Das. Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad took four wickets, while Mohammad Abbas added three.

Bangladesh had already taken a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after defeating Pakistan by 104 runs in the first Test.