Mohammad Rizwan stayed not out on 75 at stumps on Day 4. Courtesy: Reuters

Mohammad Rizwan Pakistan's last hope as Bangladesh near Test series sweep

BAN vs PAK, 2nd Test: Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten on 75 as Pakistan are looking to chase 437 in the Sylhet Test, still needing 121 runs for victory, with Bangladesh firmly in control and strong favourites to win the match.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Pakistan need 121 more runs to win the Sylhet Test
  • Rizwan stayed unbeaten on 75, as Pakistan look to chase 437
  • Salman Agha made 71 in a crucial 134-run stand with Rizwan

Bangladesh moved to the brink of a dominant Test series sweep over Pakistan after another gripping Day 4 in Sylhet, where the visitors fought hard but still face a steep uphill task in the final innings. Chasing a stiff target of 437, Pakistan ended the day at 316 for seven, needing 121 more runs with only three wickets in hand.

The day began with Bangladesh pressing for early wickets, having already built a commanding position through strong performances in both innings. Pakistan showed initial resistance through their top order, with Shan Masood and Babar Azam (47) stitching together important contributions to stabilise the innings after early setbacks. However, Bangladesh continued to strike at regular intervals to maintain control of the match.

Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 2nd Test Day 4: Highlights | Scorecard

A key turning point came when Pakistan’s middle order attempted to rebuild the chase. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha formed a crucial 134-run partnership that briefly revived hopes for the visitors. Rizwan, in particular, played with patience and control, anchoring the innings while rotating strike and keeping Pakistan’s slim chances alive.

However, Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Taijul Islam and supported by Nahid Rana, responded strongly whenever partnerships began to develop. Taijul broke the crucial stand by dismissing Agha for 71, shifting momentum back firmly in Bangladesh’s favour. From there, Pakistan’s lower middle order struggled to maintain consistency under pressure.

MOHAMMAD RIZWAN FIGHTING HARD

By stumps, Rizwan remained unbeaten on 75, standing as Pakistan’s last major hope heading into the final day. His resistance has been the standout feature of an otherwise fragile batting effort, but the equation remains extremely difficult for the visitors. With just three wickets remaining, Pakistan are looking to record the highest successful run-chase in Test history.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, are on the verge of completing a 2-0 series sweep, having dominated key phases across both Tests. Their bowlers have consistently delivered breakthroughs at crucial moments, while their fielding intensity has ensured Pakistan never gained lasting momentum.

As the match heads into its final day, Bangladesh hold all the advantage, while Pakistan’s hopes rest almost entirely on Rizwan producing an extraordinary lone resistance to delay what looks like an inevitable defeat.

- Ends