Bangladesh Complete Historic Whitewash Over Pakistan with 78-Run Win

Bangladesh complete historic whitewash over Pakistan with 78-run win in Sylhet (Image: ESPNcricinfo)

Bangladesh scripted another memorable chapter in their Test cricket journey after defeating Pakistan national cricket team by 78 runs in the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium to seal a dominant 2-0 series whitewash. The victory marked Bangladesh’s second consecutive Test series sweep over Pakistan, underlining the hosts’ growing strength in the longest format. After their breakthrough triumph in the opening Test, Bangladesh once again outclassed Pakistan across all departments to complete a historic clean sweep.

Litton Das rescues Bangladesh after early collapse

Pakistan made the perfect start after opting to bowl first on a lively Sylhet surface. Mohammad Abbas struck in the opening over, triggering a dramatic collapse as Bangladesh slipped to 116/6 against a disciplined pace attack. Just when the hosts appeared headed for a modest total, Litton Das produced a magnificent counter-attacking century to revive the innings. His fearless knock dragged Bangladesh to a competitive 278 in the first innings. Khurram Shahzad starred with the ball for Pakistan, claiming four wickets with strong support from Abbas, Hasan Ali and Sajid Khan.

Bangladesh bowlers dismantle Pakistan batting

Pakistan’s reply quickly fell apart under relentless pressure from Bangladesh’s pace and spin attack. Taskin Ahmed removed both openers early to leave the visitors struggling at 23/2. Although Babar Azam fought back with a classy 68 on his return, Pakistan’s middle order collapsed once again after his dismissal by Nahid Rana. Bangladesh’s spin attack tightened its grip as wickets fell in clusters, restricting Pakistan to just over 230 despite a late cameo from Sajid Khan. Bangladesh secured a crucial 46-run first-innings lead.

Bangladesh fully capitalised on that advantage in the second innings. Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim led the charge with a majestic 137, registering his 14th Test century. Litton Das continued his fine form with a fluent 69, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy chipped in with an important fifty at the top. Bangladesh eventually set Pakistan a daunting target of 437 runs on a deteriorating Day 5 surface.

Rizwan and Salman spark hope before Taijul seals victory

Pakistan’s chase looked improbable, but the visitors produced a spirited fightback led by captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam. Shan struck 71 while Babar contributed 47 before Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam removed both set batters to regain control. However, Pakistan refused to surrender as Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha stitched together a brilliant 134-run partnership that briefly shifted momentum back towards the tourists. Salman scored 71 before Taijul finally broke the stand late on Day 4, while Rizwan remained unbeaten overnight on 75. The final morning began dramatically with Pakistan adding quick runs through Rizwan and Sajid Khan. But Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto made a crucial tactical move by bringing Taijul Islam back into the attack. The left-arm spinner immediately delivered the breakthrough, dismissing Sajid Khan for 28 to complete his 18th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Soon after, Rizwan’s heroic innings ended agonisingly short of a century when he edged Shoriful Islam to gully for 94. Taijul then wrapped up the innings by removing Khurram Shahzad for a duck, finishing with outstanding figures of 6/120 and nine wickets in the match. Bangladesh eventually bowled Pakistan out for 358 to complete a famous 78-run victory and cap off a flawless 2-0 series triumph.

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