Bangladesh reduces Pakistan to 96-4 at lunch on Day 2 of the second test Bangladesh’s bowlers took control of the second Test against Pakistan on Day 2, reducing the visitors to 96-4 at lunch in Sylhet. The hosts, who had declared their first innings at 278, maintained their dominance with disciplined bowling, as fast bowler Taskin Ahmed and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan claimed four wickets to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup. Pakistan resumed their second innings on Sunday at 21-0, trailing Bangladesh by 182 runs after the hosts had declared their first innings. The visitors, aiming to level the series after losing the first Test in Dhaka a week earlier, faced a challenging task as Bangladesh’s bowlers tightened their grip. Taskin Ahmed, making an immediate impact, dismissed both Pakistan openers in his first two overs of the day. Abdullah Fazal, who had scored twin half-centuries in the first Test, edged a delivery behind the bat after scoring just nine runs. Taskin then struck with a sharp delivery, dismissing Azan Awais, a centurion in the first Test, who attempted to push the ball to short-leg on 13. Captain Shan Masood and star batter Babar Azam managed to stabilize Pakistan’s innings temporarily, forming a 38-run partnership. However, Mehidy Hasan ended the partnership when Masood hit a short ball straight to the fielder at short cover for 21. Mehidy then claimed another wicket, dismissing Saud Shakeel on 8, leaving Babar Azam to face the majority of the pressure. Babar, who missed the first Test due to a left knee injury, remained not out on 37 at the break, with Salman Agha on 6. Bangladesh’s dominance in the first innings had been led by a brilliant 126 from Litton Das, who anchored the team’s score after they were bowled out for 278.#pakistan #bangladesh #taskin_ahmed #mehidy_hasan #sylhet
Mushtaq Ahmed: Focusing on Rishad Hossain's Mental Strength Bangladesh spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed emphasized the importance of mental resilience for young cricketers, particularly Rishad Hossain, as the team prepares for upcoming matches. Ahmed highlighted that the decision to leave Hossain out of the third ODI against New Zealand was a strategic move aimed at fostering his growth. He described the exclusion as a "blessing in disguise," noting that such phases are essential for developing the temperament required at the international level. Hossain, who had previously established himself as Bangladesh’s lead spinner during the home series against the West Indies in October, faced scrutiny after being omitted from the third ODI. Despite performing well in the previous match, Ahmed explained that the team’s focus was on strengthening the overall spin attack. "We want to get stronger in other spinners too," Ahmed said, adding that the goal was to ensure players not in the starting XI remain mentally positive. Ahmed stressed that international cricket is as much a mental game as a technical one. "Skill can bring you here, but here you have to survive with the mindset," he said. He specifically called for improvements in Hossain’s googly, noting that refining the angle and delivery of the spin could enhance his effectiveness. "His googly has to improve a bit more," Ahmed said, emphasizing the need for a repeatable action and precise use of the crease. The coach also addressed Mehidy Hasan’s role in the team, urging him to expand his bowling variations. While Mehidy has been effective in containing runs, Ahmed pointed out that his lack of mystery spin requires greater variation to counter aggressive West Indies batsmen.#bangladesh_cricket_team #odi_series #rishad_hossain #mushtaq_ahmed #mehidy_hasan
