Pakistan showed fight in the run chase at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium but fell short of the target by 79 runs. Shan Masood-led Pakistan suffered their fourth consecutive Test defeat in a row, a new low for them, denting their hopes of making maiden World Test Championship (WTC) final. Mohammad Rizwan tried to bat with the tail and pull off the highest successful run chase in Test cricket history but Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed him for 94, ruling out Pakistan’s chances of rewriting record books.
Starting at an overnight score of 316/7, Rizwan got an early reprieve as his catch was dropped by Miraz in the first over bowled by Nahid Rana. Rizwan and Sajid Khan batted with positive intent, scoring boundaries. Against the new ball, they did not bog down and completed a 50-run stand for the eighth wicket. The partnership was broken by left-arm spinner Taijul Islam in the 96th over. Sajid edged one to Najmul Hossain Shanto in the slips as Taijul completed his fifer. Sajid lost his wicket for a 36-ball 28.
In the next over, Rizwan lost his wicket to left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam. The back of the length delivery forced Rizwan to poke at a delivery with minimal foot work. He missed his century by six runs. He departed after scoring 94 runs from 166 deliveries. Then, Taijul claimed his sixth-wicket to dismiss Khurram Shahzad, handing his team a win by 78 runs.
Earlier, on Day 4, skipper Masood and Salman Agha scored 71 each whereas Babar Azam missed his fifty by just three runs.
Low-scoring first innings
In the first innings, Bangladesh were bowled out for 278 despite wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das' 126-run knock off 159 balls. Pakistan pacers took nine wickets on Day 1. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 232 with only Babar showing fight with 68 runs of contribution. Sajid also chipped in with a 38-run cameo.
Mushfiqur steals the show
In their second innings, Bangladesh's old guard Mushfiqur Rahim scored 137 runs. he was well-supported by opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Das' fifties. They posted 390 on the board, setting a target of 437 for the visitors.