Taijul’s six-for seals Bangladesh’s 2-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan

SYLHET: Bangladesh completed a 2-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan after dismissing the visitors for 328 on the fifth day of the second Test, with left-arm spinner Taijul Islam taking six wickets in the second innings.

Pakistan resumed the day at 316-7 in pursuit of a record 437 but were bowled out in the first session despite a determined 94 from Mohammad Rizwan. The result gave Bangladesh their first home Test series win against Pakistan and followed their 2-0 success on Pakistani soil in 2024.

The victory also marked another landmark for the hosts, who registered four successive Test series wins for the first time in their history. Bangladesh had already taken the opening Test by 104 runs.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said his side had handled the pressure better in the closing stages.

"It's difficult to explain the emotions of that final hour because Pakistan were batting really well and we were under pressure," Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said. "But compared to previous matches, we controlled our emotions better and avoided panic. "Every player and member of the support staff contributed, and as captain I feel very proud of the team's work ethic."

Rizwan leads resistance before Bangladesh finish the job

Rizwan kept Pakistan’s hopes alive with a 166-ball innings after the tourists had slipped to 162-5 on the fourth day. He added 54 runs for the eighth wicket with overnight partner Sajid Khan, who scored 28.

Taijul removed Sajid to complete his 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, before pace bowler Shoriful Islam had Rizwan caught in the following over to end Pakistan’s challenge. Taijul then claimed the last wicket, that of Khurram Shahzad, to finish with second-innings figures of 6-120.

Taijul had already put Pakistan under severe pressure with four wickets on Tuesday. In the match, he also took 3-67 in Pakistan’s first innings total of 232.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood said the side would need to examine where it fell short. "It's never good to lose games," said Pakistan skipper Shan Masood.

"In both matches we had significant chances, but we need to reflect on where we lost the game in batting, bowling and fielding if we want to move forward as a side."

Key contributions across the match

Earlier in Pakistan’s chase, former captain Babar Azam made 47 in a counter-attacking effort before wicketkeeper Litton Das took a notable catch off Taijul. Masood scored 71, while Salman Ali Agha also made 71 during a sixth-wicket stand of 134 with Rizwan before Taijul broke the partnership.

For Bangladesh, Litton was named player of the match after scoring 126 in the first innings, when the hosts made 278. In Bangladesh’s second innings, veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim struck 137 to steer his side to 390, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy contributing 52 and Litton adding 69.

Mushfiqur, 39, was named player of the series after scoring 253 runs across the two-match contest.

The series result underlined Bangladesh’s strong run in the format, as they followed up their previous 2-0 away sweep of Pakistan with another clean sweep, this time on home soil.