Shahzad's six-wicket haul gives Pakistan 21 run lead over Bangladesh

The third day of the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh at Rawalpindi saw a dramatic turnaround as Bangladesh, led by a resolute Litton Das and an all-round performance from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, clawed their way back into the match after a top-order collapse.

Pakistan, however, managed to eke out a slender 21-run lead, setting up an intriguing final two days.

Bangladesh began the day at 10 for no loss, but the morning session quickly turned into a nightmare for the visitors.

Pakistan's bowlers, particularly Khurram Shahzad, were relentless, and Bangladesh found themselves reeling at 26 for 6. Shahzad was the chief architect of this collapse.

Bangladesh looked set to crumble under the relentless pressure exerted by Pakistan's bowlers, particularly Shahzad, who had already claimed five wickets. But Litton Das had other ideas. He scored 138, his first Test century in over two years, to rescue his side from the brink of disaster.

Litton found a reliable partner in Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who contributed a valuable 78 runs to their 165-run seventh-wicket partnership.

Bangladesh reduced the deficit to 12 runs when the final wicket fell.

Read also: Bangladesh top order collapses in response to Pakistan's first innings score of 274

Khurram Shahzad was the star with the ball for Pakistan, finishing with figures of 6 for 90. His early burst, where he dismantled Bangladesh’s top order, set the tone for the day.

Despite his efforts, the persistence of Litton and Mehidy ensured Bangladesh remained in the contest, with Shahzad finally breaking the partnership by dismissing Mehidy.

In response, Pakistan’s second innings began on a shaky note. Hasan Mahmud, riding high on confidence from his contributions with the bat, struck twice to leave Pakistan 9 for 2.

Abdullah Shafique and nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad were the victims, both falling cheaply.

As the day closed, Pakistan’s lead stood at 21 runs, with Saim Ayub at the crease.

The home side faces the daunting task of building a substantial lead on a pitch that is increasingly favouring the bowlers. Bangladesh, buoyed by their comeback, will look to keep the pressure on and push for a series win.

With two days left and the match finely poised, both teams have everything to play for. Pakistan will aim to set a challenging target, while Bangladesh will seek early breakthroughs to keep the hosts under check.

Pakistan Squad:

Captain Shan Masood, Vice-Captain Saud Shakeel, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed, and Mir Hamza.

Bangladesh Squad:

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Nayeem Hasan.