Rizwan frustrates, but Tigers close in

A stubborn resistance from Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, coupled with repeated delays from Rizwan, tested Bangladesh’s patience on the fourth day of the second and final Test against Pakistan in Sylhet yesterday. But despite the visitors’ spirited fightback, the Tigers still ended the day with their noses ahead.

As the shadows lengthened late in the afternoon, Rizwan’s time-consuming routines increasingly became the talking point of the day. With Bangladesh pushing hard for breakthroughs, the Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter repeatedly called for towels, drinks and treatment, slowing the pace of the game throughout the final session.

The frustration inside the ground peaked at 5:28pm. With only two minutes remaining in the day’s scheduled play and Bangladesh preparing to bowl one final over, Rizwan once again halted proceedings by asking for water and towels.

Soon after, fading light prevented any further play, drawing loud groans from the crowd as the umpires removed the bails.

The delays added further spice to a contest that finally carried the edge and tension expected from a gripping Test match.

Heated exchanges involving Rizwan, Litton Das and Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto reflected the rising intensity in the middle as Pakistan attempted to drag the game into the final day.

However, Bangladesh seemed to be sensing the finish line approaching when they reduced Pakistan to five wickets down in pursuit of a daunting 437-run target.

But Rizwan and Salman had other ideas.

The pair added 134 runs for the sixth wicket to frustrate Bangladesh’s bowlers and shift momentum towards the visitors. Rizwan remained composed throughout, absorbing pressure while rotating strike effectively, while Salman counterattacked whenever Bangladesh attempted to tighten the screws.

However, just when Pakistan appeared to be gaining genuine hope, Taijul Islam once again stepped forward to swing the momentum back Bangladesh’s way.

“There was some excitement in the dugout because we thought that was the breakthrough we needed. It came through Taijul; there was excitement. I was not tense personally, but a couple of guys around might have been,” Bangladesh pace bowling coach Shaun Tait admitted after the day’s play.

Left-arm spinner Taijul broke the crucial stand by dismissing Salman late in the day before removing Hasan Ali shortly afterwards, ensuring the Tigers regained control before stumps.

Pakistan closed on 316 for seven, still requiring another 121 runs with only three wickets remaining in what would need to become a record fourth-innings chase in Test cricket.

Earlier, Pakistan’s recovery had begun through solid partnerships involving Babar Azam and Shan Masood. After Bangladesh struck twice early, the experienced duo steadied the innings and ensured Pakistan did not completely fold under pressure.

Bangladesh’s bowlers were not at their sharpest throughout the day. Taskin Ahmed, after his impressive displays earlier in the series, endured an off day, while Shoriful Islam bowled well without much reward. Nahid Rana continued to trouble the batters with pace, but it was Taijul who once again delivered when Bangladesh needed him most.

And despite Pakistan’s resistance, Tait remained convinced the Tigers would finish the job on the final day.

“I think we’ll bowl them out,” he said, backing Bangladesh to complete the series sweep today.