Bangladesh is poised for a historic sweep thanks to Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana.
Bangladesh is poised for a historic sweep thanks to Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana.
Bangladesh has to reach 185 runs in order to take all ten wickets in the chase.
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| In Test cricket, Hasan Mahmud recorded his first five-for. |
On the fourth day of the second Test in Rawalpindi, Bangladesh made significant progress towards a 2-0 series sweep over Pakistan thanks to a combined nine wicket haul from Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana.
Mahmud secured his first-ever five-wicket haul in Test cricket on the fourth afternoon after taking two wickets at the close of the previous day. He finished with 5 for 43 in 10.4 overs in his third Test. As Pakistan was knocked out for 172 in their second innings, Rana also achieved his highest Test figures of 4 for 44, establishing a target of 185. This was the first time in Bangladesh's Test history that all ten wickets were taken by fast bowlers, with Taskin Ahmed claiming the other wicket.
After that, Bangladesh erased 42 runs thanks to Zakir Hasan, who came out with a good intent and scored 31 not out off 23 balls with two fours and two sixes.
With a lead of 21, Pakistan resumed on 9 for 2, and things were looking great for the country with Shan Masood and Saim Ayub looking good. Masood started by sending Taskin hurtling into the air, and then Ayub cut the fast bowler off his pads. Though there were a few misplays and tight leaves, the pair appeared relatively unfazed as they amassed 34 runs in the opening 6.2 overs of the day.
However, Ayub's wild drive soon followed, and Bangladesh stormed back. After Taskin bowled a full outside off stump, Ayub attempted a drive up the middle but was caught by Najmul Hossain Shanto. Although Babar Azam began by squarely cutting off Taskin, he was not acting like the regular Babar Azam. Mehidy Hasan Miraz attempted a straight ball, but he missed it and got hit on the pad. Replays revealed the ball was missing the leg stump, notwithstanding Bangladesh's review of the on-field judgment of not out.
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| Zakir Hasan gazed sharply in an 185•AFP/Getty Images pursuit. |
Pakistan went from 47 for 2 to 81 for 6, and Nahid took his third wicket when Saud Shakeel hung his bat out, giving Litton Das an easy catch. But when Pakistan's lead grew to 129, Rizwan and Salman Agha ensured they would not lose another wicket till lunchtime.
Bangladesh adhered to their plan, making sure there were no easy runs, while Rizwan was still disoriented and searching for fast runs. Mahmud stayed in the channel outside off stump, not as sharp as he had been in the previous session. Rizwan played away from his body and gave the wicketkeeper a tiny edge, which resulted in a false shot. Mahmud had Mohammad Ali edging to first slip with the very next ball.
Pakistan wanted early wickets, but Zakir's early movement dashed their hopes. His footwork was aggressive and he frequently charged at the bowlers early. As Bangladesh advanced 37 for no loss in six overs at tea, he clipped Khurram Shahzad for a six over long leg and then pulled him for another six, this time over deep-backward square leg.
After the break, play could only last one over before it grew too dark to continue.