DHAKA: Babar Azam delivered a commanding unbeaten knock to keep Pakistan alive in the second Test against Bangladesh as the visitors mounted a strong recovery on Day 2 in Dhaka.
After Bangladesh were bowled out for 278 in their first innings, Pakistan responded positively and reached 142-4 in 39.3 overs during the second session, trailing by 136 runs with six wickets remaining. The contest remains finely poised, but Pakistan regained momentum through Babar’s composed and aggressive batting display.
The star batter remained unbeaten on 68 off 83 deliveries at the time of filing this report, smashing 10 boundaries in a fluent innings that steadied Pakistan after a shaky start. His innings not only stabilised the batting lineup but also revived Pakistan’s hopes of leveling the two-match Test series.
At the other end, Salman Ali Agha provided solid support with an unbeaten 20 from 47 balls as the pair stitched together a valuable partnership heading into the final phase of the day’s play.
Pakistan’s innings had earlier suffered setbacks when openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub failed to capitalise on their starts. Captain Shan Masood scored a brisk 21 before departing, while Saud Shakeel also failed to build a substantial innings, leaving the visitors under pressure before Babar took charge.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack shared the wickets effectively, with Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam making timely breakthroughs to keep the hosts in contention.
Live match projections during the session slightly favored Pakistan, giving them a 43 percent chance of victory compared to Bangladesh’s 39 percent, while the probability of a draw stood at 18 percent.
Bangladesh currently lead the two-match Test series 1-0, making this encounter a must-win game for Pakistan to avoid a series defeat. With Babar Azam firmly settled at the crease and Pakistan’s lower order still to come, the visitors will aim to wipe out the deficit quickly and establish a commanding first-innings advantage on Day 3.
About The Author
