Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s five-wicket haul, bowled out Pakistan for 274 runs on the second day of the second Test in Rawalpindi, putting them in a commanding position to win the series.

Miraz’s Mastery and Pakistan’s Stumble

Mehidy Hasan Miraz continued his exceptional form, grabbing his 10th five-wicket haul in Tests, dismantling Pakistan’s batting line-up with his spin prowess. The off-spinner’s intelligent bowling and variations proved too much for the home side. He took crucial wickets, including Pakistan captain Shan Masood and opener Saim Ayub, who both scored half-centuries. Masood’s dismissal for 57 in the third over after lunch came after a promising start by Pakistan, with the team reaching 99-1 at lunch.

A Match-Turning Performance

Miraz’s dominance in this match builds upon his previous match-turning performance in the first Test, where he bagged figures of 4-21 in Bangladesh’s 10-wicket victory. The bowler’s consistency and effectiveness highlight his growing stature in Test cricket. This performance puts him in a strong position to contribute significantly to Bangladesh’s efforts to win their third-ever away series.

Taskin Ahmed’s Impactful Return

Taskin Ahmed’s return to Test cricket after 18 months proved to be an effective one. He showcased his skills and helped Bangladesh consolidate their grip on the match. Taskin claimed three wickets for 57 runs, including the important wicket of Agha Salman, who was dropped on nought by Zakir Hasan. Salman’s innings, although significant, could have been cut short, giving Taskin the opportunity to influence the match further.

A Positive Return

Taskin’s comeback proved to be a boost for the Bangladesh bowling unit. His pace and movement were impactful, contributing to Pakistan’s downfall. With his strong performance, Taskin has signaled his intent to play a significant role in Bangladesh’s red-ball plans going forward.

A Tough Day for Pakistan’s Batters

Pakistan’s batsmen, after a solid start in the first session, failed to build on their initial promise and were consistently troubled by Bangladesh’s spinners and fast bowlers. The team lost wickets at regular intervals, making their recovery a challenging task.

Key Wickets Lost

Babar Azam’s dismissal for 31 off Shakib Al Hasan marked a significant setback. The star batsman, known for his strong performance, failed to score a half-century in his 15th consecutive Test innings, leaving Pakistan struggling for momentum. Other key wickets like Saud Shakeel’s for 16 and Abdullah Shafique’s for nought further added to their woes, showcasing Bangladesh’s dominant bowling performance.

A Positive Outlook for Bangladesh

The bowlers’ impressive performance has set the stage for Bangladesh to push for victory in this match. While their batsmen were dropped on the first ball of their innings, they face a relatively manageable target, giving them a good opportunity to claim the series.

Take Away Points

• Bangladesh bowlers dominated Pakistan, capitalizing on their strong start.
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz, with a five-wicket haul, emerged as the key player.
• Taskin Ahmed’s return to Test cricket proved effective.
• Pakistan’s batsmen failed to build partnerships, resulting in frequent wicket falls.
• Bangladesh, with a manageable target, is well-placed to clinch the series victory.