Rain halted Bangladesh’s bid for a clean sweep against Pakistan after young pace bowlers Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana rattled the hosts, bowling them out for 172 on Day 4 of the second Test on Monday.

Bangladesh had scampered to 42/0 in seven overs before bad light, followed by rain, allowed only one over of play in the final session on Monday. The visitors will be needing another 143 runs for a rare Test series win away from home.

Bangladesh have won just one bilateral Test series outside home — beating the West Indies in 2009. They won the first Test of the ongoing series by 10 wickets for their first-ever Test victory against Pakistan in 14 matches.

The 24-year-old Mahmud grabbed 5/43 for his maiden five-wicket haul in only his second Test match while 21-year-old Rana chipped in with 4/44 as Pakistan were bowled out half an hour before tea for an overall lead of 184.

“I should give credit to all my team members who work hard every time,” Mahmud said. “We’re very happy to win the first game and now have a chance to get another one, so it’s very joyful.”

Under overcast conditions, Bangladesh openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam scored at a rapid pace before rain arrived. Zakir was unbeaten on 31 off 23 balls that included two pulled sixes against fast bowler Khurram Shahzad and Shadman Islam was not out on 9.

A resilient century from Litton Das and an equally splendid half-century from Mehidy Hasan Miraz allowed Pakistan a slender first-innings lead of 12 runs after the visitors had collapsed to 26/6 on Day III.

“The odds are probably in favour of Bangladesh, we don’t shy away from that,” Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie said. “I’m hoping that we can create some theatre, create some drama and put a smile on a few people’s faceshere in Pakistan tomorrow (Tuesday).”