Rizwan resists as Bangladesh push for milestone Test victory

Heavy rain lashed Sylhet from midnight and continued intermittently into the morning, slightly delaying the start of the fifth and final day of the second Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan today.

Following an inspection of the field, play began at 10:15am, with Mohammad Rizwan unbeaten on 91 and Sajid Khan accompanying him on 26.

The visitors still need 84 runs for victory, chasing 437-run target.

Although rain fell during Wednesday morning, the forecast suggests there is little chance of further showers for the rest of the day, despite overcast skies remaining in Sylhet.

A victory would see Bangladesh register four consecutive Test wins against the same opponent for the first time in their history. Their previous best was three straight Test victories against Zimbabwe. Winning four consecutive matches against Pakistan — two in Rawalpindi and two at home — would mark a new milestone for Bangladesh.

The win would also lift Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side to fifth place in the ICC World Test Championship standings. While much of the championship still remains, Bangladesh would move above India and England for the time being.

Bangladesh edged closer to history on Tuesday after pushing Pakistan deep into the fifth day. The hosts appeared set to wrap up the match earlier, but Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha frustrated them with a resilient 134-run partnership in the final session.

The breakthrough eventually came in the final half hour when Taijul Islam struck twice after bowling more than a third of the overs during the day, leaving Bangladesh on the verge of another 2-0 clean sweep over Pakistan.