Litton Das and Mahmudul Hasan Joy added crucial fifties as Pakistan were set a daunting 437-run target in Sylhet
Mushfiqur Rahim produced another masterclass in Test batting as Bangladesh tightened their grip on the Sylhet Test, setting Pakistan a formidable target of 437 runs on the third day of the match.
The veteran batter struck his 14th Test century in a composed and authoritative innings that formed the backbone of Bangladesh’s second-innings total. Supported by half-centuries from Litton Das and Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Bangladesh maintained control throughout the day despite a spirited effort from Pakistan fast bowler Khurram Shahzad.
Pakistan survived two tense overs before bad light brought an early end to play. Openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais remained unbeaten without scoring after facing probing deliveries from Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam.
The day, however, belonged firmly to Mushfiqur. Batting in difficult conditions with Bangladesh needing stability, he crafted a superb 233-ball century that combined patience with calculated aggression. His innings included 12 boundaries and a six, and it marked the third time he has scored a century in the second innings of a Test match.
Mushfiqur shared a crucial 123-run partnership with Litton Das for the fifth wicket, helping Bangladesh recover and extend their advantage. He later added another valuable 77 runs with Taijul Islam for the seventh wicket to frustrate Pakistan further.
Displaying his trademark composure, Mushfiqur initially focused on playing close to his body before gradually expanding his strokeplay. Elegant cover drives, square cuts and powerful pulls highlighted an innings that steadily wore down Pakistan’s attack.
Pakistan’s bowlers had started the morning brightly, with Khurram Shahzad once again troubling Bangladesh’s top order. He dismissed captain Najmul Hossain Shanto lbw for 15 after a testing spell with the new ball.
Litton Das, however, counterattacked positively despite the seaming conditions. Fresh from his first-innings century, he played fluently and found boundaries regularly to ease pressure on the hosts. He also survived two major scares during his innings.
On 38, Litton escaped a run-out chance after a mix-up with Mushfiqur when Babar Azam failed to hit the stumps from short midwicket. Later, offspinner Sajid Khan dropped a straightforward return catch when Litton was on 56.
The Bangladesh wicketkeeper eventually fell for 69 after attempting an uppercut off Hasan Ali, with Saud Shakeel taking the catch at fly slip. The knock marked the third occasion in Litton’s Test career where he has scored both a century and a fifty in the same match — the most by a Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter.
Taijul Islam also made an important contribution lower down the order with a composed 22, including two stylish boundaries during his partnership with Mushfiqur.
Shahzad finished as Pakistan’s standout bowler with four wickets, including a brilliant delivery to remove Mehidy Hasan Miraz. But despite his efforts, Bangladesh remained firmly in control and now head into the fourth day as overwhelming favourites to complete a dominant victory.
