Bangladesh seize control as Pakistan reach tea on 200/5 in Sylhet chase

Bangladesh turned the tide firmly in their favour by taking three crucial wickets in the second session as Pakistan reached tea on 200 for five on day four of the second Test, with Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan at the crease trying to rebuild their mammoth chase of 437 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Pakistan had looked dangerous at lunch with Shan Masood and Babar Azam well set, but Bangladesh struck immediately after the interval.

Babar, who had counter-attacked his way to a brisk 47 off 52 balls, attempted to flick Taijul Islam off his legs only for Litton Kumar Das to take an incredible catch behind the stumps to end the partnership.

Nahid Rana then removed Saud Shakeel for just six with a wide yorker, further tightening Bangladesh's grip on the match.

Despite the collapse around him, Masood showed admirable resolve and continued to bat with positive intent, keeping Pakistan's faint hopes alive.

But Taijul eventually accounted for the Pakistan captain as well, trapping him for a gutsy 71 off 116 balls with a sharp catch by short leg fielder Mahmudul Hasan Joy completing the dismissal.

Pakistan now need a further 237 runs from the final session and all of day five, with just five wickets remaining.

Salman was unbeaten on 25 and Rizwan on 15 at the tea interval.

Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had posted 278 in their first innings on day one, rescued from 116 for six by Litton's magnificent 126, before dismissing Pakistan for 232 on day two.

Bangladesh then replied with 390, courtesy of Mushfiqur Rahim's record-breaking 137, setting up a thrilling fourth-innings finish.