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The Pakistan national cricket team and Babar Azam have once again been facing heavy criticism after a disappointing batting performance against the Bangladesh national cricket team in the ongoing second and final Test match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.
The Shan Masood-led Pakistan team has already lost the first Test by 104 runs in Dhaka, and now they are aiming to save their pride by levelling the two-match Test series in Sylhet. They made the perfect start with the ball, but their senior batters failed to handle pressure and left everyone frustrated.
Pakistan dominate early before Litton Das' fight back in Sylhet
The match had started with Shan Masood winning the toss and opting to bowl first under cloudy conditions in Sylhet. Pakistan pacers made the most of the conditions and put Bangladesh under early pressure. The hosts were in big trouble at 106/4 and then slipped further to 117/6.
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But Litton Das played a brilliant and fighting knock of 126 runs from 159 balls to help Bangladesh reach a strong total of 278 runs in their first innings against Pakistan. Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas led the charge brilliantly with the stunning spells of 4/81 and 3/45, respectively.
Bangladesh fight back hard as Pakistan collapse for 232
Later, Pakistan started well and ended Day 1 at 21 without loss, trailing by 257 runs against Bangladesh. However, things completely changed on Day 2. The Bangladesh bowlers came back strongly and did not allow Pakistan’s batters to settle at all.
The touring side kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Even though Babar Azam tried to hold the innings together with a solid 68 runs, he did not get much support from the other end. One after another, Pakistan batters failed, and the pressure kept building.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack was disciplined and tight as Pakistan batters failed, and they were bowled out for just 232 runs. Taijul Islam and Nahid Rana were the standout bowlers for the hosts, as both took three wickets each, giving Bangladesh a valuable 46-run lead in the first innings.
Faisal Iqbal criticises Babar Azam and Pakistan’s senior batters after another poor show
After the touring side’s poor batting performance 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 temperament and mindset of the senior stars.
Iqbal also expressed frustration over Pakistan’s repeated failures to rescue 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 have been becoming a serious concern.
Faisal Iqbal posted on X: “Where has our test cricket gone now? Seniors have played so much cricket and are useless in pressure situations, throwing away their wickets. Unfortunately, Babar's struggle is too long; NO temperament at all. He doesn’t have any capability to save the team in tough situations.”
Former Test cricketer Faisal Iqbal questions Babar Azam's temperament and slams senior players for failing under pressure! 😤🏏🇵🇰#TOKSports #BANvPAK #BabarAzam #PakistanCricket #WTC27 pic.twitter.com/L2kJXmQG91
— TOK Sports (@TOKSports021) May 17, 2026
Bangladesh build solid lead on Day 3 in Sylhet
Well, Bangladesh continued their positive approach in the second innings as opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy scored a solid half-century to extend the lead further. At stumps, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 13 and will lead the charge on Day 3.
Mominul Haque contributed 30 runs before being dismissed by Khurram Shahzad. Bangladesh will resume Day 3 at 110/3 with a 156-run lead against Pakistan in Sylhet.
