Bangladesh is on the brink of completing a historic clean sweep against Pakistan in their two-match Test series, held at the iconic Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. Positioned strongly at 42/0 at the close of play on Day 4, the Bangla Tigers need merely 143 more runs with a full slate of ten wickets in hand to clinch this momentous 2-0 series victory.
The visitors showcased their dominance yet again as Zakir Hasan led the charge with a blistering 31 off just 23 balls. His partner at the crease, Shadman Islam, provided steady support with an unbeaten nine-run knock. Together, the duo managed to accumulate 42 runs in a mere seven overs, setting the stage for what could potentially be a historic victory for Bangladesh.
The day began with Pakistan resuming their innings at a precarious 9/2. The early partnership between captain Shan Masood and Saim Ayub appeared promising as they added 38 runs without losing a wicket. However, Bangladesh’s pace attack quickly turned the tables. Taskin Ahmed delivered an early breakthrough by dismissing Ayub, paving the way for young guns Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana to wreak havoc on the Pakistani batting lineup.
Mahmud and Rana were sensational, sharing nine wickets between them. Mahmud secured a magnificent five-wicket haul, while Rana recorded his career-best figures of 4/44. Despite a resilient fightback from the lower-middle order, where Mohammad Rizwan scored 43 and Agha Salman added 47, Pakistan could only muster a total of 172, leaving Bangladesh with a modest target of 185 runs.
Bangladesh’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss paid off handsomely as they bowled Pakistan out for 274 in their first innings. Saim Ayub top-scored for the hosts with 58, and skipper Masood contributed a solid 57. Agha Salman also made a vital 54 in the lower order, yet the hosts failed to cross the 300-run mark.
However, Bangladesh faced their own set of challenges during their first innings.
. They found themselves in dire straits, having lost six wickets for just 26 runs. It was a dismal scenario, but Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz rose to the occasion. The pair put up an extraordinary 165-run stand for the seventh wicket, stabilizing the innings and adding crucial runs to the scoreboard. Litton Das was the standout performer, notching up a stellar 138, which enabled Bangladesh to reach a total of 262, trailing by a mere 12 runs.
With Day 4 drawing to a close, Bangladesh is now positioned just 143 runs away from their third overseas Test series victory, and their first since 2021 when they triumphed over Zimbabwe 1-0. This potential victory would not only mark a high point for Bangladesh cricket but also signal their growing competence and confidence on foreign pitches.
In Rawalpindi, the atmosphere is palpable with anticipation. As the fifth day looms, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Bangladesh can seal the deal. A win here will not only serve as a morale booster but will also underline the progress the team has made under their current management and coaching staff.
For Pakistan, the scenario is stark. In order to stave off an embarrassing defeat, they need a near miracle. Their bowlers must bring forth their A-game to dismantle the set Bangladeshi openers and run through the middle order. Captain Shan Masood has a daunting task ahead to rally his team, emphasize precise bowling, and maintain tight fielding to create pressure points.
The match and possibly the series hang in balance, but as it stands, Bangladesh seems near inevitable in achieving what once seemed improbable—a historic clean sweep on Pakistani soil. The cricketing world watches on, as history beckons for Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
