Bangladesh has dominated the match so far, with Pakistan bowled out for a modest 274 runs in their first innings. Despite promising starts by Shan Masood, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha, the team struggled to build significant partnerships. Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who took 5 for 61, effectively dismantled the Pakistani batting lineup.
Bangladesh’s openers, Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan, safely navigated the final overs of the day, leaving Bangladesh in a commanding position with a score of 10 for no loss. With Pakistan’s bowling attack weakened by the absence of key players Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, the prospects of a comeback appear dim.
The Pakistani team’s reliance on an inexperienced bowling attack has been a significant factor in their struggles. The four frontline bowlers, with only 16 Tests between them, have found it difficult to maintain pressure on Bangladesh’s batsmen. This inexperience has been compounded by a series of fielding lapses, including dropped catches at crucial moments, allowing Bangladesh to escape challenging situations.
Pakistan’s batting, too, has been inconsistent. Despite good starts from their top order, the middle and lower order failed to capitalize, leading to yet another collapse. The dismissals of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who have often been the team’s saviors, further weakened Pakistan’s position.
With rain forecasted for the final two days of the Test, Pakistan’s chances of staging a comeback are diminishing rapidly. The predicted weather could lead to significant delays or even a washout, which would leave Pakistan with little time to recover. Given their current position, where they are trailing by a significant margin, any further loss of time due to rain would only favor Bangladesh.
If Pakistan is unable to bowl out Bangladesh quickly and set a competitive target, the rain could seal their fate, handing Bangladesh a historic series win. This scenario is particularly concerning as Pakistan’s bowling attack, already struggling with inexperience, would find it even harder to extract any life from a pitch that could become even slower and more challenging for bowlers after the rain.
Adding to Pakistan’s on-field struggles are rumors of internal discord within the team. Speculations suggest that disagreements over team selection, particularly the decision to rest key players like Shaheen Afridi, have caused friction. Babar Azam’s leadership has also come under scrutiny, with critics questioning his ability to inspire and guide a young and inexperienced team.
These potential internal issues, combined with the tactical challenges posed by Bangladesh, have left Pakistan in a precarious position. If the rain does indeed disrupt the match, it would likely snuff out any remaining hopes Pakistan has of leveling the series.
As Pakistan heads into the final days of the second Test, the combination of poor performance, inexperience, and unfavorable weather conditions threatens to result in a historic defeat. Bangladesh, on the other hand, stands on the verge of a memorable victory. If the rain does come, Pakistan’s chances of avoiding defeat and saving the series could evaporate along with it, leaving them with much to ponder and rebuild before their next challenge.
