Bangladesh on verge of historic whitewash as Pakistan reel in Sylhet

Bangladesh moved within three wickets of a historic series whitewash against Pakistan, ending the fourth day of the Sylhet Test in a dominant position. 

A defiant 134-run partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha threatened to frustrate the hosts, but Taijul Islam struck twice late in the final session to leave Pakistan struggling at 316 for 7.

Chasing a world-record target of 437, Pakistan finished the day still trailing by 121 runs. Bangladesh had earlier posted 278 and 390 in their two innings, while Pakistan managed 232 in their first outing.

The fourth day began with Pakistan’s openers attempting to weather the storm after surviving two overs late on Sunday. However, Nahid Rana broke the opening stand in the 11th inning, dismissing Abdullah Fazal for 6 with a sharp delivery caught by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Mehidy then doubled the pressure by trapping Azan Awais lbw for 21.

A spirited stand between Babar Azam and skipper Shan Masood momentarily revived Pakistan's hopes. The experienced duo looked solid until Taijul Islam made the breakthrough, dismissing Babar for 47. 

Saud Shakeel’s poor run in the series continued as he fell for just 6 to Nahid Rana. Taijul then dealt a massive blow by removing Masood for 71, leaving Pakistan reeling at 162 for 5.

Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha then led a gritty counter-attack, putting on 134 runs for the sixth wicket to push the match into the final day. 

Just as the partnership became a major concern for the hosts, Taijul clean-bowled Salman for 71 and followed up by dismissing Hasan Ali for a duck in the same over. Rizwan remains unbeaten, carrying Pakistan's slim hopes into the final day.

Taijul Islam was the standout performer for Bangladesh, utilizing the turning fourth-day track to claim 4 wickets for 113 runs. 

Nahid Rana contributed with 2 wickets, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz took 1, putting Bangladesh in pole position to wrap up a landmark victory on Tuesday.