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.

Bangladesh stand on the brink of a laudable Test milestone, but as they prepare to battle Pakistan in the second and final Test in Sylhet, the Tigers may also need to keep one eye on the skies, with rain forecast to threaten play over the coming days.

The Pakistan team arrived at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium amid heavy downpours on Friday, ahead of their second and final Test against hosts Bangladesh starting tomorrow.

Pakistan will be strengthened by the return of star batsman Babar Azam for the second and final cricket Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said on Friday.

Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons on Wednesday said the Tigers are in a mindset to post “big scores”, stressing that he is more focused in the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, starting in Mirpur on Friday, rather than the past.

After being reminded of Bangladesh’s 2-0 series triumph in Rawalpindi in 2024, Pakistan speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi said his side is not dwelling on the past as they prepare to take on the Tigers in the upcoming two-match Test series, starting tomorrow in Mirpur.