United News of Bangladesh

A disciplined bowling performance spearheaded by Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam powered Bangladesh to a critical 46-run first-innings lead, bundling Pakistan out for 232 on the second afternoon of the Sylhet Test. Building on the foundation of Litton Das’s brilliant 126 from the opening day, which lifted Bangladesh to 278, the home bowlers maintained unwavering pressure. Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz had already left Pakistan reeling at 96-4 by lunch, but it was the post-lunch session where the hosts truly drove home their advantage. The turning point arrived when young speedster Nahid Rana broke a dangerous 63-run partnership by undoing Babar Azam with a clever change of pace. Babar, who looked menacing during his 68 off 84 balls, chipped a length ball straight to Mushfiqur Rahim at mid-on. Babar's departure triggered a sharp collapse, with left-arm spinner Taijul Islam ripping through the lower-middle order. Taijul (3-67) removed Salman Agha (21) via a mistimed sweep before producing a beauty to clean-bowl Mohammad Rizwan (13) through the gate.He quickly added Hasan Ali (18) to his tally, courtesy of a spectacular juggling catch by Rana under the scorching sun. Staring down a massive deficit at 207-9, Pakistan found a lifeline in Sajid Khan. The tailender launched an entertaining, counter-attacking cameo, smashing 38 off just 28 balls, including four sixes. His aggressive approach significantly narrowed the gap in what has developed into a relatively low-scoring encounter. Rana finally put an end to the fireworks, altering his line to have Sajid caught at fly-slip by a diving Mominul Haque. Rana finished with impressive figures of 3-60, complementing Taijul's three-wicket haul. With a handy 46-run lead in their pocket, Bangladesh’s batsmen now face a crucial two-hour session before stumps on Day 2.

A magnificent, counter-attacking century from wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das rescued Bangladesh from a catastrophic middle-order collapse, pushing the hosts to 278 all out before Pakistan responded solidly to reach 21-0 at stumps on day one of the second Test in Sylhet. While Litton stood tall with a brilliant 126 off 159 balls, the opening day belonged to a highly disciplined Pakistan pace attack. Khurram Shahzad led the charge with a relentless 4-81, while veteran Mohammad Abbas (3-45) consistently triggered collapses just as partnerships threatened to salvage the innings. The afternoon session turned into a nightmare for the hosts as their steady pre-lunch position evaporated completely. Abbas broke a grinding 38-run stand by producing a beautiful delivery to dismiss captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (29), drawing a faint edge to Mohammad Rizwan. The wicket marked a personal milestone for Abbas, registering his 100th Test wicket outside Pakistan. Shahzad then took control from the other end. He trapped the veteran Mushfiqur Rahim lbw for 23 via an umpire's call review, before bouncing out Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4) just two overs later. Miraz’s reckless hook flew straight to deep fine leg, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 116-6 after losing three crucial wickets for just ten runs. Stepping up under immense pressure, Litton single-handedly altered the momentum of the match. He anchored vital lower-order partnerships, putting on 60 runs with Taijul Islam (16) and a crucial 64 runs for the 9th wicket with Shoriful Islam (12*). Litton accelerated effortlessly in the evening heat, smashing 16 boundaries and two sixes to bring up a majestic hundred before finally falling to Hasan Ali (2-49). Hasan wrapped up the innings at 278 by dismissing Nahid Rana for a duck four balls later. Faced with a tricky six-over period before the close of play, Pakistan's openers negotiated the new ball with absolute composure. Azan Awais (13*) and Abdullah Fazal (8*) defended sturdily against the home side's multi-pronged attack to finish the evening unscathed. Pakistan trails by 257 runs heading into Sunday morning, setting up an intriguing battle on day two.

Ikram Chowdhury Ikram, a member of BCB security committee and the security coordinator at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, passed away Wednesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest while on duty during the ongoing Test match between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. He was 50. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) sources said he had been overseeing field inspection operations with the Bomb Disposal Unit when he fell ill. Sylhet Test: Muzarabani takes six, Zimbabwe need 174 to win Following immediate medical advice from BCB physicians, he was rushed to Al Haramain Hospital where he suffered a second heart attack. He was taken to the CCU of the hospital where doctors later pronounced him dead. A respected figure in Sylhet's sporting community, Ikram had worked with the BCB’s security committee since 2014. He regularly led security coordination during matches at the Sylhet stadium. Bangladesh extend lead past 100 before weather curtails 3rd day in Sylhet His passing has cast a pall over the Sylhet Test and local cricket circles. In a condolence message, the BCB expressed deep sorrow and extended sympathies to his family.