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Pakistan national cricket team and Babar Azam are once again facing heavy criticism after their disappointing batting performance against Bangladesh national cricket team in the ongoing second and final test match at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.
The Shan Masood-led Pakistan team has already lost the first Test in Dhaka by 104 runs and now aims to save its honor by leveling the two-match Test series in Sylhet. They made a good start with the ball, but their senior batsmen failed to withstand the pressure and disappointed everyone.
Pakistan dominate early before Liton Das returns in Sylhet
The match started under cloudy conditions in Sylhet with Shan Masood winning the toss and deciding to bowl first. Pakistan’s fast bowlers took full advantage of the conditions and put Bangladesh under initial pressure. The hosts were in big trouble at 106/4 and then slipped to 117/6.
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But Liton Das played a brilliant and fighting inning of 126 runs in 159 balls to help Bangladesh reach a strong score of 278 runs in their first innings against Pakistan. Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas led the way brilliantly with impressive spells of 4/81 and 3/45 respectively.
Bangladesh fought hard after Pakistan was bundled out for 232 runs.
Later, Pakistan got off to a good start and ended the first day without loss by 21 runs and trailed Bangladesh by 257 runs. However, things changed completely the next day. Bangladesh bowlers made a strong comeback and did not allow Pakistan’s batsmen to survive at all.
The visiting team kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Although Babar Azam tried to control the innings by playing a strong inning of 68 runs, but he did not get much support from the other end. One after another, Pakistan’s batsmen failed and the pressure kept building.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack was disciplined and tight as Pakistan’s batsmen failed and were all out for just 232 runs. Taijul Islam and Nahid Rana were the standout bowlers for the hosts, both taking three wickets each, giving Bangladesh a crucial first innings lead of 46 runs.
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Faisal Iqbal criticizes Babar Azam and senior Pakistan batsmen after another poor performance
Following the poor batting performance of the touring team in Sylhet, former Pakistani Test cricketer Faisal Iqbal launched a scathing attack on the team’s experienced players, especially Babar Azam. Faisal openly questioned the nature and mentality of senior stars.
Iqbal also expressed disappointment over Pakistan’s repeated failure to save the team under pressure and questioned Babar’s ability to guide the team during difficult situations and his ongoing struggles. He said that the team’s struggles in Test cricket are becoming a matter of serious concern.
Faisal Iqbal posted on
Former Test cricketer Faisal Iqbal questions Babar Azam’s temperament and criticizes senior players for failing under pressure! #TOKSports #BANvPAK #babarazam #PakistanCricket #WTC27 pic.twitter.com/L2kJXmQG91
– TOK Sports (@TOKSports021) 17 May 2026
Bangladesh takes strong lead on third day in Sylhet
Well, Bangladesh continued their positive trend in the second innings as opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy extended the lead further by scoring a strong half-century. At the time of stumps, Bangladesh captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto is unbeaten on 13 runs and will take charge of the team on the third day.
Mominul Haq contributed 30 runs before being dismissed by Khurram Shahzad. Bangladesh will resume the third day at 110/3 with a lead of 156 runs against Pakistan in Sylhet.