Taijul Islam starred with the ball as Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 78 runs in the second Test on Wednesday, sealing a commanding 2-0 clean sweep in the series. The left-arm spinner delivered a match-winning performance, finishing with impressive figures of 6 for 120 from 34.2 overs as Pakistan were bowled out for 358 while chasing a daunting target of 437. Taijul had already put Bangladesh in a dominant position on Day 4 by helping reduce the visitors to 316 for 7, and he completed the job on the fifth morning with two crucial wickets.
Pakistan resumed the final day hoping for an unlikely comeback and added 42 runs in the morning session. However, their resistance collapsed dramatically as they lost their final three wickets without adding a single run to the total, with Bangladesh wrapping up victory in just 13 deliveries.
The result followed Bangladesh’s 104-run triumph in the opening Test and marked the team’s second consecutive Test series sweep against Pakistan, having also registered a 2-0 victory over them in 2024. The series win further highlighted Bangladesh’s growing confidence and consistency in the longer format of the game.
Pakistan’s hopes rested heavily on wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who fought valiantly with a composed innings of 94 off 166 deliveries. Rizwan attempted to keep the chase alive with positive strokeplay and showed intent from the beginning of the day’s play. He struck fast bowler Nahid Rana for back-to-back boundaries early in the morning session, signaling Pakistan’s aggressive approach despite the difficult target.
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At the other end, Sajid Khan also contributed valuable runs and played confidently to frustrate the Bangladesh bowlers. The pair stitched together a fighting 54-run partnership that briefly gave Pakistan hope of stretching the contest deeper into the day.
However, Taijul once again turned the game decisively in Bangladesh’s favour. He dismissed Sajid Khan for 28, breaking the crucial partnership and bringing up his 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The breakthrough shifted momentum completely toward the hosts.
In the very next over, Rizwan’s resistance came to an end when he attempted a cut shot off Shoriful Islam but found the fielder at gully. With Rizwan gone, Pakistan’s hopes vanished rapidly. Taijul then completed the innings in the following over by removing Khurram Shahzad for a duck, sealing an emphatic win for Bangladesh and sparking celebrations among the home players and supporters.
Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack, combined with key performances from both their pacers and spinners throughout the match, ensured they remained in control for most of the contest. The comprehensive series victory will be remembered as another major achievement for Bangladesh cricket against one of the traditional powerhouses of the sport.
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