SYLHET: Pakistan will have to chase a daunting target of 437 on Day 4 after Mushfiqur Rahim played a career-defining knock to steer Bangladesh to 390 all out on the third day of the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Play was called off early on Day 3 because of poor light with Pakistan 0-0 after just two overs of their fourth-innings chase before the umpires called stumps.
But the day was for Mushfiqur, who hit a record 14th Test century, the most for any Bangladesh batter, before ending with a splendid 137 off 233 balls, studded with 12 fours and a six.
Bangladesh’s innings was built on resilience in the middle and lower order, with Mushfiqur anchoring key stands under pressure from Pakistan’s attack.
He added a crucial 77-run partnership with Taijul Islam in the third session, frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers and stretching the lead.
Taijul scored a gritty 22 before falling to Sajid Khan while Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam added useful runs down the order.
Bangladesh’s innings ended at 390 after a brief resistance from Taskin who was removed by Hasan Ali, and Shoriful and Mushfiqur were dismissed by Sajid Khan to wrap up the innings.
Khurram Shahzad was the pick of the Pakistan attack, claiming 4 for 86, while Sajid Khan took three wickets. Hasan Ali bagged two while Mohammad Abbas chipped in with a wicket.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh were 110-3 when captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was dismissed by Khurram Shahzad for 15 off 46 deliveries.
Pakistan sought to pile on the pressure after the breakthrough but the experienced pair of Litton and Mushfiqur were steadying the innings with a mature partnership.
The pair then put on a measured 50-run stand to lift Bangladesh past the 150-run mark before continued to frustrate Pakistan’s bowlers with disciplined batting.
They put on an unbeaten 68 runs to take Bangladesh safely to Lunch without any further damage and put the hosts firmly in command of the contest heading into the remainder of Day 3.
