Sylhet: Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam delivered a match-winning performance, claiming six wickets as Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 78 runs in the second Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. This victory not only secured a 2-0 series sweep for Bangladesh but also marked their second consecutive Test series whitewash over Pakistan, following a similar result in 2024 on Pakistani soil.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh's success represents their first Test series victory against a top-tier nation both at home and away, excluding Zimbabwe. The final day began with Pakistan resuming at 316-7, needing 121 more runs to reach a challenging target of 437, a feat never before accomplished in Test cricket's long history.
Despite the uphill battle, Pakistan's vice-captain Mohammad Rizwan showed resilience, counterattacking to frustrate the hosts. Rizwan hit consecutive boundaries off fast bowler Nahid Rana, who took 2-58, creating brief optimism for Pakistan. His partnership with Sajid Khan added 54 runs for the eighth wicket, posing a threat to Bangladesh's dominance.
However, Taijul Islam's persistence paid off as he dismissed Sajid Khan, ending the partnership and restoring momentum for Bangladesh. This wicket marked Taijul's 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, inching him closer to the Bangladesh record of 19 held by Shakib Al Hasan.
Pakistan's remaining hopes dwindled when Rizwan, after a fighting innings of 94 off 184 balls, was caught at gully off Shoriful Islam. With Rizwan's departure, Pakistan's resistance crumbled quickly. Taijul sealed the victory by dismissing Khurram Shahzad for zero, wrapping up Pakistan's innings at 358.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh posted 278 in their first innings, bolstered by Liton Das's impressive 126. They then bowled Pakistan out for 232. In the second innings, Mushfiqur Rahim's record-breaking 137 helped Bangladesh amass 390, setting an insurmountable target for Pakistan, which ultimately led to their historic series victory.