SYLHET: Bangladesh tightened their grip on the second Test against Pakistan after veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim struck a commanding century to help the hosts set a massive 437-run target at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Bangladesh, who carried a 46-run first-innings lead, continued their dominance across day two and day three before being bowled out for 390 in 102.2 overs in their second innings.
Mushfiqur Rahim led the charge with a superb 137 off 233 deliveries, smashing 12 fours and a six during a composed and authoritative knock that placed Pakistan under immense pressure.
Resuming the final session alongside Taijul Islam, Mushfiqur stitched together a crucial 77-run stand for the seventh wicket. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter brought up his 14th Test century before Sajid Khan finally broke the partnership by dismissing Taijul Islam for 22 off 51 balls, including two boundaries.
Pakistan continued to struggle for breakthroughs as Bangladesh’s lower order added valuable runs. Hasan Ali removed Taskin Ahmed for six, while Sajid Khan picked up two more wickets, dismissing Shoriful Islam for 12 before ending Mushfiqur’s outstanding innings.
Khurram Shahzad remained Pakistan’s most effective bowler, claiming 4-86 in 20 overs. Sajid Khan grabbed three wickets, while Hasan Ali took two and Mohammad Abbas chipped in with one dismissal.
Earlier, Bangladesh made a shaky start to their second innings when Tanzid Hasan departed cheaply after scoring four runs. However, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul Haque steadied the innings with a vital 76-run partnership.
Monumental task
Mahmudul Hasan produced an aggressive knock of 52 from 64 deliveries, hitting 10 fours before Mohammad Abbas dismissed him.
Mominul Haque added 30 runs, while skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 15 before Khurram Shahzad trapped him lbw.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das then completely shifted momentum in Bangladesh’s favour with a century partnership that frustrated Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Litton Das continued his fine form by scoring 69 off 92 deliveries, including five boundaries, before Hasan Ali finally broke the stand.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz added 19 runs before Khurram Shahzad claimed his fourth wicket.
Pakistan now face a monumental task in the fourth innings after earlier being bowled out for 232 in their first innings.
Babar Azam fought hard with a fluent 68 off 84 balls, striking 10 boundaries, while Sajid Khan provided late resistance with a quickfire 38 off 28 deliveries.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack was led by Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam, who claimed three wickets each in Pakistan’s first innings.
