Bangladesh openers begin briskly in 185 chase before bad light pauses play

 

Bangladesh reached 262 and 37 for 0 (Zakir 27*) and need 148 more runs to beat Pakistan 274 and 172 (Salman 47, Rizwan 43, Mahmud 5-43, Nahid 4-44).

Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana were pivotal in Bangladesh's efforts, sharing nine wickets between them and bowling Pakistan out for 172 on the fourth afternoon of the second Test in Rawalpindi. This left Bangladesh with a target of 185 runs as they aim to win the two-match series.

The Bangladesh openers, Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam, came out with a clear intent, quickly reducing the target by 37 runs in just six overs. Zakir was particularly aggressive, going into tea unbeaten on 27 off 21 balls, which included two sixes off Khurram Shahzad. Bangladesh now needs 148 more runs to secure what would be just their third overseas Test series win.

Pakistan's hopes of setting a challenging second innings total were shattered by the superb bowling of Rana and Mahmud. Rana initiated the damage with a fiery morning spell, claiming three wickets, while Mahmud added three more to his overnight tally, ending with career-best figures of 5 for 43. Rana also achieved his best Test figures, taking 4 for 44.

For Pakistan, Salman Agha once again anchored the lower order, remaining unbeaten on 47. He shared a crucial 27-run stand for the final wicket with Mir Hamza before Pakistan's innings ended in 46.4 overs.

Earlier, Pakistan resumed after the lunch break at 117 for 6, with Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha focused on extending their lead. Salman started positively, managing to edge a ball over the slip fielder's head for a boundary early in the session. However, the Bangladesh bowlers kept a tight line and didn't allow easy runs.

The pressure eventually led to Rizwan's dismissal, as he was lured into an outside edge by Mahmud, who had been in excellent form since the previous day. The edge was caught by the wicketkeeper, and on the very next delivery, Mahmud had Mohammad Ali caught at first slip.

Although Salman attempted to shield the tailenders and manage the strike, he wasn't always successful. This forced Abrar Ahmed, batting at No. 10, to face a full over from Nahid, who eventually claimed his wicket with a catch at slip, leaving the score at 145 for 9.

Despite the mounting pressure, Salman managed to add some valuable runs with Hamza, including a few boundaries and a six off Nahid. However, the innings came to an end when Hamza inside-edged a delivery from Mahmud onto his pad, allowing Mehidy Hasan Miraz to take a sharp catch at slip.

Earlier in the morning, Bangladesh made significant inroads into the Pakistan batting lineup, with Rana leading the charge. After a promising start by Pakistan's openers, Saim Ayub and Shan Masood, Rana broke through by inducing a false shot from Ayub, who was caught at mid-off.

Nahid then entered the attack and immediately made an impact, dismissing Masood with an edge to the wicketkeeper. He also got Babar Azam out at first slip with a ball that bounced unexpectedly. Despite a dropped catch, Nahid continued to trouble the Pakistan batters, eventually claiming the wicket of Saud Shakeel, who edged the ball to Litton Das at slip.

Pakistan, having slipped from 47 for 2 to 81 for 6, found themselves in a precarious position. Nahid also struck Rizwan with a bouncer, shaking him up visibly, but Rizwan continued to bat. Gaining confidence, Rizwan began to play more freely, finding the boundaries regularly, and alongside Salman, ensured Pakistan did not lose any more wickets before the lunch break.