Sylhet, May 20 (IANS) — Bangladesh completed a 2-0 Test series whitewash of Pakistan after off-spinner Taijul Islam produced a match-winning spell to seal a hard-fought 78-run victory on the final day of the second Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Taijul’s six-wicket haul (6-120) bowled Bangladesh to victory while defending a target of 436, and the win marks Bangladesh’s first home Test series triumph over Pakistan and their fourth consecutive series win overall against the Asian rivals.
Resuming on the fifth day after a brief rain interruption, Pakistan looked set for a late surge as wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Sajid Khan put on a crucial 50-plus partnership that nudged the chase past 350. Taijul broke the stand by removing Sajid for 28, and shortly after Shoriful Islam accounted for Rizwan, who fell for a valiant 94 off 166 balls. Taijul then wrapped up the innings by bowling Khurram Shahzad for a duck to end the match.
Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling and timely breakthroughs defined the finale. Taijul repeatedly struck at key moments, also removing Pakistan skipper Salman Agha and Hasan Ali during the course of the match, while spinners and pacers supported the attack to keep pressure on the chase.
Pakistan had earlier suffered a shaky start in pursuit of the large target when openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais fell cheaply. Babar Azam steadied the innings with a 47, sharing a 92-run stand with Shan Masood, but Taijul removed Babar and later Shan (71). Despite a rebuilding effort by Rizwan and Salman, Pakistan could not sustain the chase and slipped as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Batting first after losing the toss, Bangladesh posted 278 in their opening innings, boosted by a brilliant century from Litton Das. Pakistan responded with 232, in which Babar top-scored with a fighting 68 and Sajid chipped in with 38; Nahid Rana and Taijul picked up three wickets apiece. Bangladesh’s second innings produced 390, powered by Mushfiqur Rahim’s 137, setting Pakistan the 436-run target they ultimately could not reach.
The victory lifts Bangladesh above India into fifth place in the ICC World Test Championship standings. Brief scores: Bangladesh 278 & 390 (Mushfiqur Rahim 137, Litton Das 69; Khurram Shahzad 4-86) beat Pakistan 232 & 358 (Mohammad Rizwan 94, Salman Agha 71; Taijul Islam 6-120) by 78 runs.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/taijuls-six-fer-helps-bangladesh-complete-series-sweep-against-pakistan
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Publish Date: 2026-05-20 23:50:00
