Masood and Babar steady Pakistan’s chase in 2nd cricket test against Bangladesh – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Sylhet, Bangladesh – Captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam combined for an unbroken 60-run stand that carried Pakistan to 101 for 2 at lunch on the fourth day of the second test. The pair arrived at the crease after two early wickets left the visitors in a precarious position while chasing a record 437 runs for victory. Their resistance has kept alive hopes of leveling the series against a Bangladesh side that already leads 1-0.
Early Losses Hand Bangladesh Control
Pakistan lost both openers inside the first hour of play. Pace bowler Nahid Rana struck first when Abdullah Fazal edged a short ball to gully for just 6. Offspinner Mehidy Hasan followed up by trapping Azan Awais lbw for 21, leaving the score at 41 for 2 and giving the hosts a clear advantage on a wearing pitch.
Those dismissals came after Bangladesh had posted a formidable total in their second innings. A 137 from Mushfiqur Rahim helped the hosts reach 390, setting the visitors a target that would eclipse the highest successful chase in test history if achieved.
Resilient Partnership Shifts Momentum
Masood and Babar responded with disciplined batting that slowed Bangladesh’s momentum. Masood remained unbeaten on 41 while Babar reached 24 not out, both players negotiating the pace and spin threats with growing assurance. Their stand has already consumed valuable overs and kept the required run rate within reach for the remaining sessions.
The partnership stands in contrast to Pakistan’s first-innings collapse to 232 after Bangladesh were dismissed for 278 in their opening effort. Litton Das’s 126 had given the hosts a solid platform, yet the visitors now face the task of completing the largest successful run chase in test cricket.
Series Stakes Add Pressure
Bangladesh won the opening test by 104 runs and now seeks a second consecutive series sweep over Pakistan. No visiting side has ever chased more than 418 runs to win a test match, placing the current target of 437 in rare territory. The outcome in Sylhet will determine whether Pakistan can salvage a drawn series or suffer another clean sweep.
With two days remaining, the focus rests on how long the current stand can last and whether the middle order can build on the platform Masood and Babar have established. The match continues to test both teams’ nerve in what has become a high-stakes contest.