SYLHET – Pakistan were left staring at a daunting fourth-innings target of 437 runs after Bangladesh tightened their grip on the second Test with a commanding all-round performance on the third day at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday. Despite the mounting pressure, Pakistan safely negotiated the final two overs of the day to reach 0 without loss at stumps, with openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais unbeaten at the crease. However, with two days remaining and a massive chase ahead, the visitors face an uphill battle to keep the series alive.
The day firmly belonged to veteran Bangladesh batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who produced a magnificent innings of 137 off 233 deliveries to steer the hosts to 390 in their second innings. His knock, decorated with 12 fours and a six, marked his 14th Test century, the highest by any Bangladesh batter in the format’s history. Resuming the day with a slender lead, Bangladesh built their dominance through crucial partnerships orchestrated by Mushfiqur. He first combined effectively with Litton Das, who contributed a fluent 69 off 92 balls, before frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers alongside Taijul Islam in a vital 77-run stand that pushed the target beyond Pakistan’s comfort zone.
Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy also played an important role with a brisk 52, while Mominul Haque chipped in with 30. Taijul added a valuable 22 lower down the order as Bangladesh’s batting depth once again troubled the Pakistani attack. For Pakistan, pacer Khurram Shahzad emerged as the standout performer with figures of 4 for 86, continuing his impressive form in the series. Spinner Sajid Khan claimed three wickets, while Hasan Ali and Mohammad Abbas shared the remaining dismissals.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had posted 278 in their first innings after recovering brilliantly from a precarious 116 for 6, thanks largely to Litton Das’ superb 126-run knock. Pakistan, in reply, were bowled out for 232, conceding a 46-run first-innings deficit. Former captain Babar Azam fought hard with an aggressive 68 off 84 balls, while Sajid Khan provided late resistance with a quickfire 38 featuring four sixes.
However, Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam with three wickets each, ensured the hosts maintained control. With the pitch beginning to offer increasing assistance to bowlers and Bangladesh carrying strong momentum into the final two days, Pakistan now require one of their finest Test run chases to script an unlikely victory in Sylhet.
Scores in Brief
PAKISTAN 232 AND 0-0 (Fazal 0, Awais 0) need 437 runs to win vs BANGLADESH 278 AND 390 (Mushfiqur 137, Litton 69, Shahzad 4-86, Sajid 3-126).
