Mehidy Hasan's fifer puts Bangladesh in command as Pakistan crumbles for 274

Bangladesh's bowlers took charge on day two of the second Test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, dismissing the hosts for 274. Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz led the attack with an impressive five-wicket haul, while pacer Taskin Ahmed provided crucial support with three key scalps.

Bangladesh's openers, Shadman Islam (6*) and Zakir Hasan (0*), safely navigated the final two overs of the day, scoring 10 runs without losing a wicket. The visitors now trail by 264 runs as they head into day three.

The day began with a dramatic start for Pakistan as Taskin Ahmed clean-bowled Abdullah Shafique for a duck in the very first over. Despite this early setback, Pakistan's innings initially stabilized as skipper Shan Masood and Saim Ayub dominated the first session. Masood played with aggression while Ayub provided a solid anchor.

However, Bangladesh struck back after lunch, removing both set batsmen. Masood was dismissed by Mehidy Hasan for 57, while Ayub was stumped for 58.

Saud Shakeel, who joined Babar Azam at the crease, did not last long. He fell to a square cut that crashed onto the stumps after an inside edge. Just before tea, veteran Shakib Al Hasan trapped Babar Azam LBW, dismissing him for 31 off 77 balls. Babar has now gone 15 innings without a fifty in Test cricket.

Bangladesh maintained their disciplined bowling in the final session. Nahid Rana surprised Mohammad Rizwan with a delivery that had extra bounce, leading to Rizwan's dismissal for 29. 

Mehidy Hasan continued to wreak havoc, dismissing Khurram Shehzad (12) and Mohammad Ali (2), leaving Salman Ali Agha under pressure. Salman managed to reach his seventh Test fifty but was dismissed shortly after for 54 off 95 balls. The innings concluded with Abrar Ahmed being stumped for nine runs.

It is worth noting that the first day of the second Test was abandoned due to rain.