Bangladesh Near Historic Test

Lunch Report: Bangladesh 262 & 122/2 (Zakir 40, Shanto 33, Hamza 1-34) require 63 runs to win against Pakistan 274 & 172.

Pakistan's bowlers found their rhythm, executed their plans, and restricted the scoring, but they struggled to break through the experienced partnership of Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque as Bangladesh closed in on a monumental series sweep on the final day of the second Test in Rawalpindi.

During an extended morning session, Pakistan managed to remove both Bangladesh openers while conceding only 80 runs in 27 overs. However, Shanto and Mominul held their ground, adding an unbroken 52-run stand for the third wicket. Bangladesh now stands just 63 runs away from securing a 2-0 series victory, which would mark their third-ever overseas Test series win and their first since the 1-0 triumph in Zimbabwe in 2021.

The fifth day began under clear skies, with bright sunshine greeting the players after bad light and rain had cut short play on the fourth day. Bangladesh resumed at 42/0, and Shadman Islam got the innings going with a crisp square cut. However, Pakistan's bowlers soon found their lines and lengths, gradually choking the run flow. Mohammad Ali had a near miss when Zakir Hasan played at a good-length ball outside off; while replays showed a faint edge, none of the fielders appealed.

Zakir's stay at the crease was short-lived. Mir Hamza, who had been hitting the right areas, bowled a delivery that angled in and straightened enough after pitching to clip Zakir's off stump.

Both Hamza and Ali continued to build pressure with dot balls, denying Bangladesh any easy runs. Shanto finally got off the mark on his tenth delivery, breaking a 25-ball scoreless streak for Bangladesh. Hamza nearly had another breakthrough when he induced a thick outside edge from Shadman, but Salman Agha at second slip couldn’t complete a tough diving catch. Shadman didn’t capitalise on the reprieve and was dismissed eight balls later, driving loosely and offering a straightforward catch to a charged-up Shan Masood off Khurram Shahzad.

Pakistan's hopes for a comeback were dashed by the resolute partnership between Shanto and Mominul. Although the hosts managed to draw a few edges, the ball consistently evaded the fielders. Both batters played with caution, aware that time was on their side as they slowly chipped away at the target.

While Shanto occasionally opted for aggressive shots, including an uppish flick through midwicket off Ali and a powerful drive down the ground against Shahzad, Mominul focused on rotating the strike and accumulating singles. The only time Mominul showed aggression was when he slog-swept Abrar Ahmed for four through midwicket.

Captain Shan Masood made several bowling changes, bringing Hamza back before lunch, but the determined duo of Shanto and Mominul remained unfazed, steadily guiding Bangladesh closer to a historic victory.