Bangladesh stands on the brink of history, requiring just three wickets on the fifth and final day of the Sylhet Test to secure a historic 2-0 series sweep against Pakistan.
At stumps on Day 4, Pakistan reached 316 for 7 in their second innings, still needing an improbable 121 runs for victory. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten on 75, standing as the lone point of resistance for a visiting side fighting to survive.
The Tigers' march to victory was temporarily delayed by a stubborn 134-run partnership between Rizwan and Salman Agha (71). The duo counterattacked the Bangladeshi spinners and pacers for over three hours, frustrating the home side and bringing the run chase into focus.
However, late in the final session, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam—who claimed four crucial wickets in the innings—struck a decisive blow. With fast bowler Nahid Rana operating with the new ball at the other end, Taijul bowled an arm delivery that skidded past Agha's defense and shattered his stumps. Shortly after, Hasan Ali was dismissed cheaply, leaving Bangladesh firmly in control of the match.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh's bowling attack systematically dismantled the Pakistani top order. Rana and Mehidy Hasan Miraz quickly removed the openers. Pakistan captain Shan Masood (71) and Babar Azam then launched a brief counter-offensive, pushing back with a fluid partnership.
But Taijul swung the momentum back to the Tigers. He dismissed Babar caught behind down the leg side, and soon after, Mahmudul Hasan Joy took a sharp catch at short leg to remove Masood.
Despite Rizwan's valiant fight in the fading light, Bangladesh remains deeply entrenched in Pakistan's tail, perfectly positioned to complete a dominant and historic series victory on Wednesday morning.
