Bangladesh were 249 runs ahead at lunch on Day 3 of the second Test against Pakistan in Sylhet, with six wickets still in hand.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Bangladesh tightened their grip on the second Test against Pakistan as Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim guided the hosts to a commanding position by lunch on the third day in Sylhet on Monday.

At the break, Bangladesh had stretched their overall lead to 249 runs, with Litton unbeaten on 48 and Mushfiqur batting steadily on 39. The experienced duo stitched together an unbroken 88-run partnership for the fifth wicket, frustrating Pakistan in challenging overcast conditions.

Litton, who struck a superb 126 in the first innings, once again troubled the Pakistan bowlers with confident strokeplay despite the slow outfield and damp surface. Mushfiqur played cautiously early on before opening up with a few attacking shots, including a slog-swept six off Sajid Khan late in the session.

Pakistan’s pace attack tried to make use of the cloudy morning in Sylhet, with Khurram Shahzad looking particularly threatening. He repeatedly troubled Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto around the off stump and eventually dismissed him lbw after a delivery jagged back sharply. Shanto scored 15 from 46 balls.

Bangladesh struggled to find boundaries early in the day, taking eight overs before Litton broke the pressure with a crisp cover drive off Shahzad. That shot sparked momentum as both batters began finding gaps regularly.

Litton also survived a major scare on 38 when a mix-up with Mushfiqur nearly resulted in a run-out. However, Babar Azam failed to hit the stumps despite having enough time, allowing Litton to continue his innings.

Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 232 on Sunday, giving Bangladesh a first-innings lead of 46 runs. Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam claimed three wickets each, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed picked up two apiece.

Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with 68 in his return to the side after injury. He shared a 63-run partnership with Salman Agha, which stood out as Pakistan’s only substantial stand of the innings. Late hitting from Sajid Khan, who smashed four sixes, helped reduce Bangladesh’s advantage.

Bangladesh then made a solid start in their second innings, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy scoring a quick half-century and adding 76 runs with Mominul Haque before stumps on Day 2.