Bangladesh’s top-order crumbled once more against Pakistani bowlers on Wednesday, as the hosts lost four early wickets after Pakistan forced them to follow on.
Sajid Khan stormed down Bangladesh’s batting order, taking 8/42, and dismissed them for a dismal 87 runs in the first innings.
Given how Pakistan’s first innings ended on Day 4, the match seemed certain to end in a draw.
When Bangladesh’s second innings resumed on Day 5, though, it was Pakistan’s pace battery that struck first, claiming two wickets apiece.
Bangladesh was 72/4 at the time of lunch.
Sajid Khan was perhaps the player of the day on Tuesday, taking six crucial wickets as Bangladesh was reduced to 76/7 before play was called off due to low light.
Sajid Khan, speaking after the day finished on Tuesday, said skipper Babar Azam “told us everyone to go all out for the win. That was done by everyone. We attacked them and were rewarded for our efforts “.
“The ball did not turn like this in the first match. Even when the ball turned in that direction, the batters had enough time to deal with it “Added he.
“The strategy is to take these three wickets, bat them again, and then bowl them out.”
When play resumed on Day 4 on Tuesday, Pakistan lost two early wickets when Azhar Ali and skipper Babar Azam both returned to the pavilion in quick succession.
Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam, on the other hand, responded to the situation, scoring half-centuries to help the visitors reach 300 before Babar Azam declared innings.
If Pakistan wins today, the visitors will be beaten 2-0 by the Men in Green.
Pakistan leads the two-Test series 1-0 after an eight-wicket win in Chittagong.
Pakistan playing XI
Babar Azam (captain), Abid Ali, Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali, Shaheen Afridi
Bangladesh playing XI
Mominul Haque (captain), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das (wicketkeeper), Mahedi Hasan, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed
