PAK VS BAN: Babar Azam expected to add massive to tie series after second Test

DHAKA: In form Babar Azam stood tall for Pakistan national cricket team as the team fought back strongly against Bangladesh national cricket team on Day 2 of the second Test.

After Bangladesh posted 278 in their first innings, Pakistan reached 142-4 in 39.3 overs during the second session, trailing by 136 runs with six wickets still in hand. The match remains finely balanced, but Pakistan appeared to regain momentum thanks to a composed innings from Babar.

Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 68 off 83 balls, striking 10 boundaries at the time when this story was filed. His fluent knock stabilised the innings after early setbacks and kept Pakistan in contention to level the two-match series.

At the other end, Salman Ali Agha provided useful support with an unbeaten 20 from 47 deliveries as the pair built an important partnership heading into the latter half of the day.

Pakistan’s innings had earlier suffered quick blows. Openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub failed to convert their starts, while skipper Shan Masood departed after a brisk 21. Saud Shakeel also could not stay long at the crease, leaving Pakistan under pressure before Babar took control.

For Bangladesh, the wickets were shared among the bowling attack. Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam chipped in with breakthroughs to keep the visitors competitive.

Live win probability during the session showed Pakistan slightly ahead with a 43 per cent chance of victory compared to Bangladesh’s 39 per cent, while the possibility of a draw stood at 18 per cent.

Bangladesh currently lead the two-match Test series 1-0, meaning Pakistan must win this encounter to avoid a series defeat. With Babar Azam well settled at the crease and the batting lineup still possessing depth, Pakistan will look to erase the deficit quickly and push for a commanding first-innings lead on Day 3.