DHAKA: Bangladesh completed a historic 2-0 Test series sweep against Pakistan with a commanding 78-run win on the fifth and final morning of the second Test in Sylhet, further highlighting their rise in red-ball cricket.

Set a challenging target of 437, Pakistan resumed the last day at 316 for 7, requiring another 121 runs with three wickets remaining. Mohammad Rizwan and Sajid Khan, both unbeaten overnight, started confidently and scored at a brisk pace during the opening hour, briefly reviving Pakistan’s hopes of an unlikely comeback. As the partnership grew, the target gradually became more achievable before Bangladesh finally found the breakthrough they needed.

Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto managed his bowling resources effectively and continued to rely on lead spinner Taijul Islam. The decision proved crucial shortly after a short stoppage in play when Taijul dismissed Sajid, ending the resilient partnership and shifting momentum firmly towards the hosts.

Taijul once again emerged as Pakistan’s chief tormentor, finishing with impressive figures of 6 for 120 in 34.2 overs. He also claimed the final wicket of the innings when Khurram Shahzad was caught at long-on, sparking celebrations among the Bangladesh players and the Sylhet crowd. Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 358 in 97.2 overs.

Rizwan top-scored with a determined 94 from 166 deliveries, while Salman Agha and Shan Masood both made 71. However, their efforts could not overcome Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling performance. Alongside Taijul’s six-wicket haul, Nahid Rana took two wickets, while Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up one each.

Bangladesh’s victory completed an impressive turnaround after they had been struggling at 116 for 6 in the first innings before Litton Das rescued them with a score of 126, helping the team reach 278. In the second innings, Mushfiqur Rahim struck a superb 137, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Litton Das added valuable runs to guide Bangladesh to 390 and set Pakistan a difficult chase.

The result marks Bangladesh’s first-ever home Test series whitewash against Pakistan and reflects the side’s growing consistency with both bat and ball.