Babar Azam, Shan Masood Hold Firm as Pakistan Chase 437

Pakistan walked into the fourth afternoon knowing the numbers looked brutal. A 437-run target in the fourth innings rarely gives teams breathing room, especially on a Sylhet surface beginning to crack and grip. Yet the mood shifted once Babar Azam and Shan Masood settled in.

At 41 for 2, Pakistan appeared shaky again. Abdullah Fazal edged out early. Azan Awais survived for a while but missed a straighter one from Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Bangladesh sensed another collapse brewing. The fielders crowded the bat. Every defensive push drew loud appeals from close catchers.

Then Babar arrived.

The right-hander looked sharper than he has in recent weeks. He punched Nahid Rana through cover, skipped down against Taijul Islam, and suddenly the scoreboard began moving at pace. Shan Masood matched him stroke for stroke at the other end. His footwork looked decisive, no hesitation at all.

That partnership changed the feel of the match. The crowd inside Sylhet International Cricket Stadium had been roaring after every wicket earlier in the session. Minutes later, the noise faded into nervous murmurs as Pakistan crossed the hundred mark. 

Pakistan vs Bangladesh Live coverage quickly flipped from survival talk to possibility, even if the odds still heavily favour the hosts.

Babar and Masood keep Pakistan alive

Bangladesh still control the game. There is no escaping that reality. Pakistan require another 324 runs with eight wickets left, while Bangladesh need one breakthrough to expose the middle order under serious pressure.

Still, Babar’s intent has given Pakistan something they badly needed: belief.

His unbeaten 33 came at a strike rate above 100, and some of those boundaries carried real authority. One pull shot off Taskin Ahmed drew gasps around the ground. That shot had the crowd on its feet, even among travelling Pakistan supporters tucked into one corner of the stadium.

Masood, meanwhile, stayed composed on 44 not out. He left deliveries late, absorbed pressure, and punished anything loose. Pakistan needed exactly this kind of response after their disappointing first innings.

Bangladesh’s bowlers kept searching. Nahid Rana bent his back with pace. Miraz kept probing from one end. Taijul tried rough areas outside off stump. Yet neither batter offered many chances once they settled.

The bigger concern for Pakistan sits just ahead. Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan still have massive responsibility waiting. One wicket could reopen the floodgates for Pakistan.

For Bangladesh, history feels close now. Leading the series 1-0 already, they remain firm favourites to complete another memorable overseas-style Test performance at home. The live win probability still gives them an overwhelming edge.

But cricket has a habit of dragging matches into unexpected territory. And, this chase does not feel completely dead yet.