Rahim’s ton puts BD in command

Pakistan need to chase daunting 437-run target to level the series

Bangladesh tightened their grip on the second Test against Pakistan after veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim struck a superb century to help the hosts set a daunting 437-run target at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

At stumps on day three, Pakistan were 0/0 in two overs in their second innings, with openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais safely negotiating the closing stages after Bangladesh were bowled out for 390 in their second innings.

The visitors now face an uphill task on day four of the Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test series, needing another 437 runs to avoid defeat and level the two-match series.

Bangladesh resumed their second innings with a lead of 46 runs and built on their advantage through an outstanding knock from Mushfiqur Rahim, who anchored the innings with a composed 137 off 233 deliveries, hitting 12 fours and one six.

The experienced right-hander shared crucial partnerships with Litton Das and Taijul Islam to frustrate Pakistan’s bowlers and push Bangladesh into a commanding position in the ICC World Test Championship clash.

Litton Das continued his impressive form with a fluent 69 off 92 balls, including five boundaries, while opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy contributed a solid 52 from 64 deliveries, striking 10 fours.

Mominul Haque chipped in with 30 runs off 60 balls, while Taijul Islam added a valuable 22 from 51 deliveries. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shoriful Islam also made useful contributions lower down the order with 19 and 12 runs respectively.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled for consistency on a batting-friendly surface, although pacer Khurram Shahzad stood out with figures of 4/86 in 20 overs. Spinner Sajid Khan claimed three wickets, while Hasan Ali took two and Mohammad Abbas finished with one scalp.

Earlier in the match, Bangladesh posted 278 in their first innings after recovering from a precarious 116/6, thanks largely to Litton Das’s brilliant counter-attacking century.

The wicketkeeper-batter top-scored with a magnificent 126 off 159 deliveries, smashing 16 fours and two sixes to rescue Bangladesh from early trouble.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 29, Tanzid Hasan made 26, while Mushfiqur Rahim added 23. Mominul Haque contributed 22 before Litton combined effectively with the lower order to take Bangladesh to a competitive total.

Khurram Shahzad was Pakistan’s leading bowler in the first innings as well, taking 4/81, while Mohammad Abbas grabbed three wickets and Hasan Ali claimed two.

In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 232, conceding a 46-run first-innings deficit after Bangladesh’s bowlers produced a disciplined display.
Former captain Babar Azam fought hard for Pakistan with a stylish 68 off 84 deliveries, striking 10 fours before falling to fast bowler Nahid Rana.

Sajid Khan provided late resistance with an aggressive 38 off 28 balls, including four sixes, while Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha scored 21 each.

Bangladesh’s bowling attack shared the wickets evenly, with Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam taking three wickets apiece, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed two each.

With Bangladesh firmly in control heading into day four, Pakistan will need a major batting effort from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and their middle order to keep the second Test alive in Sylhet.