SYLHET: Bangladesh tightened their grip on the second Test against Pakistan by reaching 203-4 at lunch on day three, extending their overall lead to 249 runs at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
The hosts lost only one wicket in the morning session after resuming on 110-3, frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers with steady batting and disciplined partnerships. Bangladesh’s growing lead has put Pakistan under pressure as the match moves deeper into the third day.
Pakistan’s only breakthrough of the session came through Khurram Shahzad, who trapped Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto lbw for 15. The dismissal gave Shahzad his third wicket of the innings and briefly lifted Pakistan’s hopes of forcing a collapse.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das then steadied Bangladesh with a composed 50-run stand. Their partnership helped the hosts cross 150 and later move beyond 200, strengthening Bangladesh’s position in the match.
At lunch, Litton was unbeaten on 48 off 66 balls, while Mushfiqur was not out on 39. Both batters kept the scoreboard moving without taking unnecessary risks, adding valuable runs to Bangladesh’s lead.
Bangladesh build after early pressure
Bangladesh had started their second innings poorly on day two, losing Tanzid Hasan early. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul Haque then rebuilt the innings with a 76-run partnership that pushed the total past 50 and helped Bangladesh extend their advantage.
Mahmudul struck his sixth Test half-century, scoring 52 off 64 balls with 10 fours before Mohammad Abbas broke the stand. Mominul added 30 off 60 balls before Khurram Shahzad dismissed him to claim his second wicket.
Shanto and Mominul had earlier helped Bangladesh move beyond 100 and stretch the lead past 150 before Pakistan found another breakthrough.
Pakistan bowled out for 232 in first innings
Pakistan were dismissed for 232 in their first innings, giving Bangladesh a 46-run lead. Babar Azam top-scored with 68 off 84 balls, hitting 10 fours before falling to Nahid Rana.
Sajid Khan added quick runs down the order with 38 off 28 balls, including two fours and four sixes. Captain Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha scored 21 each, while Azan Awais and Mohammad Rizwan made 13 apiece.
For Bangladesh, Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam took three wickets each, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed two wickets apiece.
Litton Das led Bangladesh in first innings
Earlier, Bangladesh were bowled out for 278 after being asked to bat first. Litton Das anchored the innings with a commanding 126 off 159 balls, hitting 16 fours and two sixes.
Bangladesh had slipped to 116-6, but Litton’s partnerships with the lower order helped the hosts recover. Taijul Islam scored 16, while Shoriful Islam remained unbeaten on 12.
For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad was the standout bowler in the first innings with four wickets for 81 runs. Mohammad Abbas took three wickets, Hasan Ali claimed two, and Sajid Khan picked up one.
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