Karachi, September 2, 2024 – Bangladesh is on the verge of a historic whitewash against Pakistan in the two-match Test series, after ending the fourth day of the second Test in a commanding position.
The visitors need just 143 more runs to win with all ten wickets intact, setting up a potentially historic final day at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
On a day that saw Pakistan’s batting lineup crumble under pressure, Bangladesh put themselves in a strong position to complete a series sweep. The home side, already trailing after losing the first Test, collapsed to 172 all out in their second innings. Bangladesh, set a modest target of 185 runs for victory, closed the day at 42 without loss, needing just 143 more runs to claim the series 2-0.
Pakistan’s performance has been underwhelming throughout the series, particularly in their second innings of this Test. The hosts struggled to cope with the disciplined bowling attack of Bangladesh, failing to build any significant partnerships. Pakistan’s batsmen seemed out of sorts, with none managing to score a half-century. This lackluster performance at their home ground has left them on the brink of a series defeat that would be hard to swallow.
Bangladesh’s openers, on the other hand, batted confidently and cautiously in the final session of the fourth day, showing no signs of nerves despite the looming chance to achieve a rare series whitewash away from home. The team’s solid start has put them in a commanding position going into the final day, with the pitch still playing relatively true and the weather forecast clear.
The possibility of rain, which Pakistan might have hoped could disrupt play and save them from defeat, seems unlikely to materialize. Bangladesh appears poised to secure a memorable series win unless Pakistan can produce a miraculous turnaround with the ball.
The home side will be relying on their bowlers to deliver an extraordinary performance, something that has been lacking throughout the series. Pakistan’s hopes rest on taking all ten Bangladesh wickets in a session or two, a challenging task given the form and confidence of the visitors.
As cricket fans eagerly await the final day’s play, Bangladesh is just hours away from sealing a famous victory. A win would not only mark a significant achievement for the team but also signal their growing prowess in Test cricket on the international stage. For Pakistan, a series defeat would be a wake-up call, prompting reflection and likely changes ahead of their future engagements.
