Mushfiqur century leaves Pakistan facing record chase against Bangladesh

SYLHET: Bangladesh tightened their grip on the second Test against Pakistan on Monday as Mushfiqur Rahim’s century helped the hosts set a daunting 427-run target by the close of the third day.

Bangladesh were dismissed for 390 in their second innings after resuming on 110-3 with an overall lead of 156. Veteran batter Mushfiqur top-scored with 137, while Litton Das added 69 as the pair put on 123 runs for the fifth wicket to push Pakistan further onto the back foot.

Pakistan then negotiated the final two overs of the day without loss, with openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal yet to score before fading light brought play to an early end.

Bangladesh build commanding lead

Bangladesh lost captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for 15 after the start of play, but Mushfiqur and Litton steadied the innings and kept the bowlers under pressure. Litton, who had made a century in the first innings, appeared set for another substantial score before Hasan Ali had him caught at deep third-man.

Mushfiqur reached three figures from 178 balls, bringing up the landmark with a boundary off Mohammad Abbas. The innings was his 14th Test hundred, taking him past Mominul Haque’s tally of 13 and making him Bangladesh’s most prolific centurion in the format. It was also his eighth Test century since 2022.

Taijul Islam then offered useful support down the order, contributing 22 in a 77-run stand with Mushfiqur. Sajid Khan removed Taijul, and Mushfiqur was eventually the last batter out, also falling to Sajid, who finished with three wickets in the innings.

For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad returned figures of 4-86, while Sajid claimed 3-126.

Pakistan up against history

The target leaves Pakistan needing a record fourth-innings chase to draw level in the two-match series after Bangladesh won the opening Test. According to the match figures cited in the report, the highest successful chase in Test cricket remains the West Indies’ 418 against Australia in Antigua in 2003, while Pakistan have never chased more than 377.

Despite the scale of the task, Pakistan pace bowling coach Umar Gul said the side remained intent on pursuing victory rather than settling for a draw.

“We have two days left and we are mentally prepared. If we bat through the full duration, there is a chance to win — we aren’t just looking for a draw,” said Gul.

He said partnerships would be crucial if Pakistan were to stay in the contest.

“Two or three good partnerships will be very important. To chase 437, you have to be brave and play positive cricket. In cricket, anything is possible.”

Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam, meanwhile, said the size of the target could create pressure on the visitors.

“When they see the target number, many things may work in their minds. Discipline is very important now,” he added.

With two days remaining in Sylhet, Bangladesh are in a strong position to seal the series, while Pakistan must produce an unprecedented chase to avoid defeat.