Day 2 of the 2nd Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium was a tale of two second innings, both played at a healthy tempo. Pakistan were bowled out for 232 in 57.4 overs, giving Bangladesh a slender but precious first-innings lead of 46 runs. Bangladesh then launched their second innings with aggression, Mahmudul Hasan Joy blazing to a 58-ball half-century before the hosts closed the day at 110 for 3 in 26.4 overs, extending their overall advantage to 156 runs with seven wickets in hand.

Quick Scorecard — Day 2
Bangladesh 1st Innings: 278 all out (77.0 overs)
Pakistan 1st Innings: 232 all out (57.4 overs) — Bangladesh lead by 46
Bangladesh 2nd Innings: 110/3 (26.4 overs) — Lead: 156
End of Day: Bangladesh - 110/3 in 26.4 overs (Shanto 13*)

Pakistan 1st Innings: 232 All Out
Early Collapse — 3 Down Inside 17 Overs
Pakistan, resuming from a composed 21 for no loss overnight, found themselves in deep trouble very early. The openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal were parted quickly and, by the time Bangladesh took a DRS review in the 15th over targeting Shan Masood, it proved successful — Masood dismissed and Pakistan three down for 61 in just 16.2 overs at the first drinks break, with Babar Azam (18) left to anchor the innings.
From 61/3 in 16 overs, Pakistan needed a partnership. Babar Azam provided just that, but never found a long-term ally.
Babar Azam: A Lone Hand
Babar Azam was the standout performer for Pakistan, scoring a fluent half-century off just 63 balls with 8 fours — his 50 coming up before Pakistan had even crossed 100. He reached lunch alongside Salman Agha (6) with the visitors at 96 for 4 in 30 overs. Pakistan crossed the 100-run mark just after the break in the 30th over.
Babar and Salman Agha went on to put together a 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket in 74 balls, Pakistan reaching 150 in 42.1 overs. However, the very next over saw the drinks break at 150 for 6 — Babar had been dismissed and the innings crumbled quickly around him, with Mohammad Rizwan (7) left isolated.
Lower Order Fights Back Briefly
Pakistan crossed 200 in the 53rd over, and at tea they were 206 for 8 — Sajid Khan (12) and Khurram Shahzad (10) at the crease, with the innings winding down. The tail contributed some runs but Mohammad Abbas was the last man to fall as Pakistan were bowled out for 232 in 57.4 overs. Bangladesh's bowling attack had done its job, restricting a side with significant batting talent to a below-par total.

Bangladesh 2nd Innings: 110/3 — Lead of 156
Joy and Mominul Fly Out of the Blocks
Bangladesh wasted no time pressing their advantage. The openers were aggressive, reaching 50 in just 8.5 overs off 56 balls — a brisk start signalling attacking intent. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was particularly destructive, and he and Mominul Haque (12) had already added a 50-run second-wicket stand in 54 balls by the drinks break, at which point Bangladesh were 69 for 1 in 13 overs.
Joy continued to take the attack to Pakistan's bowlers, bringing up his half-century off just 58 balls, striking 10 fours in a gem of an innings. Bangladesh cleared 100 in 22.1 overs — in only 136 balls, a testament to the scoring rate.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy's 50 off 58 balls (10x4) was a statement of intent — Bangladesh were going for the jugular.
Pakistan Strike Back with DRS
Pakistan found some relief when they successfully challenged a decision via DRS in the 18th over, removing Najmul Hossain Shanto — the decision confirmed by Umpire A Paleker. Bangladesh finished the day at 110 for 3 in 26.4 overs, with Shanto (13*) having survived the remaining overs after the DRS scare to see out the day.