BAN vs PAK, 2nd Test: Pakistan in driver's seat after Khurram and Abbas run riot on day 1 in Sylhet

Remarkable bowling displays from pacers Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas have put Pakistan in the driver's seat at the end of the opening day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet.

Shahzad (4/81) and Abbas (3/45) ran through the Bangladesh batting order. Their spells allowed Pakistan to restrict the hosts to just 278 in 77 overs. The day began with the coin falling in Pakistan's favour, and skipper Shan Masood chose to field, with overcast conditions around the venue.

Pakistan made three changes to their playing XI, which played the first Test. Fit-again Babar Azam, Shahzad and Sajid Khan came in at the expense of Imam-ul-Haq, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Noman Ali.

Bangladesh also made two changes. They brought in Shoriful Islam in place of Ebadot Hossain, and Tanzid replaced the injured Shadman Islam.

Abbas struck with just the second ball of the match to dismiss opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and it became clear that Bangladesh batters had their work cut out. Tanzid, on debut, looked promising before Abbas returned a regulation caught and bowled attempt to Abbas and perished after scoring 26.

Shahzad dismissed Mominul for 22 to claim his first of the game. Najmul Hossain Shanto added 43 for the fourth wicket alongside Mushfiqur Rahim before Abbas produced a pearler to dismiss the Bangladesh captain.

The hosts then lost both Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz in quick succession as Shahzad struck twice.

Bangladesh were staring down the barrel at 116/6, but when it seemed that Pakistan's pace battery was going to have it easy, Litton Das and Taijul Islam added 60 runs for the seventh wicket.

Litton Das rescues Bangladesh from a deep trench

Litton was the key contributor in the partnership, while Taijul looked to survive at the other end. The partnership came to an end when Sajid struck for the first time and cleaned up Taijul with the one that came in with the arm.

What a knock from Litton Das 💯 126 off 159 balls A standout performance that carried Bangladesh when it mattered most#BCB #Cricket #Bangladesh #Pakistan #Tigers pic.twitter.com/nHFAqGhg0c

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) May 16, 2026

Unfazed by Taijul's wicket, Litton stitched a valuable 38-run stand with Taskin Ahmed. Shahzad then struck for the fourth time in the day, removing Taskin for 7.

Litton then completed his sixth Test century and third against Pakistan in the red-ball format by dispatching a length ball outside off to the boundary through the cover point area for a four.

Hasan Ali, who was earlier stretchered off the field after an injury to his head, came back to dismiss Litton for a score of 126. The Bangladesh wicketkeeper batter smashed 16 fours and two sixes in his gritty knock. Hasan then removed Nahid Rana to restrict the hosts to 278.

Pakistan openers survive unscathed

Pakistan openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal had a tricky little period of six overs to negotiate before stumps, and they did it with ease. Awais (13*) struck three boundaries and added 21 runs for the opening wicket with Fazal (8*) before the day's play came to a halt. Pakistan are still behind by 257 runs.