Tigers dominate morning session as Pakistan slip to 96/4

Bangladesh produced a commanding bowling display in the morning session to reduce Pakistan to 96 for four at lunch on second day of the second and final Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Taskin Ahmed provided Bangladesh with the perfect start, striking twice in quick succession to remove Pakistan’s overnight openers.

Abdullah Fazal, who had survived the final overs on day one, edged behind to Litton Kumar Das off the third ball of the morning for nine.

Soon after, Azan Awais departed for 13, caught at short leg by Mominul Haque off a late-swinging delivery from Taskin, leaving Pakistan struggling at 23 for two.

Returning to the side after recovering from a knee injury that ruled him out of the first Test, Babar Azam attempted to revive the innings alongside Shan Masood. 

The pair counter-attacked positively, adding 38 runs from just 38 balls to steady Pakistan.

Bangladesh briefly thought they had another breakthrough when Nahid Rana trapped Masood, but the hosts lost a review after UltraEdge confirmed a faint inside edge.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz then turned the tide further in Bangladesh’s favour. Masood fell for 21 after substitute fielder Nayeem Hasan completed a sharp catch at short cover following a mistimed pull shot.

Miraz struck again soon after as Saud Shakeel attempted a sweep and edged behind for eight, reducing Pakistan to 79 for four.

Bangladesh claimed four wickets for 75 runs in the 24-over session, with Babar remaining unbeaten on 37 off 58 deliveries. 

Salman Ali Agha was batting on six as Pakistan looked to rebuild after lunch.

SH