Rain intervened on Day 4 of the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, putting a halt to Bangladesh’s hopes of a clean sweep. The visitors, needing another 143 runs for a historic series win, were 42-0 after seven overs when bad light and rain forced an early end to the day’s play. This series would mark Bangladesh’s second overseas Test series win, their first since defeating the West Indies in 2009.
The day began with a strong performance from Bangladesh’s young pace bowlers. Hasan Mahmud, 24, took a stunning 5-43, while Nahid Rana, 21, contributed 4-44 as Pakistan was bowled out for 172 just half an hour before tea. Pakistan, already facing struggles in red-ball cricket at home, had lost five of their last nine Test matches, with their last win against South Africa in December 2021. They had drawn the other four matches.
Pakistan’s batting woes continued in this match. Babar Azam, the captain, fell for 11 runs to Rana, continuing his poor run of form that has spanned seven Test matches. It has been eight Test matches since he achieved a half-century.
Salman Ali Agha (47 not out) and Mohammad Rizwan (43) formed a vital partnership that helped Pakistan recover somewhat after Rana had taken three wickets in his first three overs, reducing them to 81-6 in the first session. Mahmud then took charge, dismantling the lower order, including taking three wickets in four balls at one point.
Bangladesh’s openers, Zakir Hasan (31 not out) and Shadman Islam (9 not out), were scoring at a rapid pace before the rain arrived. They will resume their chase in the fifth and final day, aiming to clinch a historic series victory.
Both teams are currently near the bottom of the World Test Championship table, with Bangladesh in seventh place and Pakistan just ahead of last-placed West Indies.
