Published: 09:20 AM, 18 May 2026
Rana, Taijul fire as Bangladesh secure 156-run lead in Sylhet Test
Bangladesh's Taskin Ahmed celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan's Azan Awais on Sunday.-AFP
A disciplined bowling performance spearheaded by NahidRana and Taijul Islam powered Bangladesh to a critical 46-run first-innings lead after bundling Pakistan out for 232 on Day 2 of the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
A late lapse in concentration on the final ball of the day cost MominulHaque his wicket, but Bangladesh still finished Day 2 of the second Test in a strong position with a 156-run lead over Pakistan in Sylhet.
The hosts reached 110-3 at stumps, building on their handy first-innings cushion despite a few nervy moments against the new ball.
The final over provided a frustrating twist for the home side. KhurramShahzad found a breakthrough on the very last delivery, pitching a hard-length ball around the fifth-stump line.
Mominul, who had grinded out a steady 30, attempted a late guide down to deep third, which seemed to be unnecessary, only to nick it through to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. The late strike gave Pakistan a massive lift just as the umpires ended the day's play, leaving skipper NajmulHossainShanto unbeaten on 13.
Earlier, Bangladesh's second innings got off to a shaky start. Debutant TanzidHasan's tough introduction to Test cricket continued as he fell for just 4 in the fourth over. He was completely squared up by a sharp, incoming delivery from Shahzad, popping a simple leading edge to gully.
But, MahmudulHasan Joy, who has been in a bad patch for a while now, stepped up to steady things, playing with plenty of confidence. Joy struck ten crisp boundaries to score a fluent 52 off 64 balls, registering his first Test half-century against a higher-ranked opponent in two and a half years.
He looked set for a big score before mistiming a flick across the line off Mohammad Abbas, which was brilliantly caught by a diving Abdullah Fazal at deep square leg.
The platform for Bangladesh's day had been set by a clinical bowling performance.
Building on the foundation of Litton Das's brilliant 126 from the opening day, which lifted Bangladesh to 278, the home bowlers maintained unwavering pressure.
Taskin Ahmed and MehidyHasanMiraz had already left Pakistan reeling at 96-4 by lunch, but it was the post-lunch session where the hosts truly drove home their advantage.
The turning point arrived when young speedster NahidRana broke a dangerous 63-run partnership by undoing Babar Azam with a clever change of pace.
Babar, who looked menacing during his 68 off 84 balls, chipped a length ball straight to Mushfiqur Rahim at mid-on.
Babar's departure triggered a sharp collapse, with left-arm spinner Taijul Islam ripping through the lower-middle order. Taijul (3-67) removed Salman Agha (21) via a mistimed sweep before producing a beauty to clean-bowl Mohammad Rizwan (13) through the gate.
He quickly added Hasan Ali (18) to his tally, courtesy of a spectacular juggling catch by Rana under the scorching sun.
Staring down a massive deficit at 207-9, Pakistan found a lifeline in Sajid Khan.
The tailender launched an entertaining, counter-attacking cameo, smashing 38 off just 28 balls, including four sixes. His aggressive approach significantly narrowed the gap in what has developed into a relatively low-scoring encounter.
Rana finally put an end to the fireworks, altering his line to have Sajid caught at fly-slip by a diving MominulHaque. Rana finished with impressive figures of 3-60, complementing Taijul's three-wicket haul.
With a handy 156-run lead in their pocket, Bangladesh's batsmen now face a crucial opening session on Monday.
