Pakistan Face Uphill Task After Bangladesh Set 437-Run Target in Sylhet Test

The visitors will resume day four with openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais at the crease as they attempt to pull off a difficult chase.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 390 in 102.2 overs in their second innings after resuming with a lead of 46 runs. The hosts built a commanding advantage thanks to a superb century from Mushfiqur Rahim and important contributions from Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Litton Das.

Mushfiqur anchored the innings with a brilliant 137 off 233 deliveries, hitting 12 fours and a six before falling to Sajid Khan. Litton Das continued his impressive form with 69 off 92 balls, including five boundaries, while Mahmudul Hasan scored 52 from 64 deliveries with 10 fours.

Crucial lower-order partnerships between Mushfiqur and Taijul Islam further frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers and helped Bangladesh post a massive total. Mominul Haque chipped in with 30 runs, while Taijul Islam added 22. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shoriful Islam contributed 19 and 12 respectively.

For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad was the standout bowler with figures of 4 for 86 in 20 overs. Sajid Khan claimed three wickets, Hasan Ali took two, and Mohammad Abbas picked up one scalp.

Earlier in the match, Bangladesh recovered from 116 for 6 in their first innings to post 278, largely due to Litton Das’s magnificent 126 off 159 deliveries, featuring 16 fours and two sixes.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 29, while Tanzid Hasan made 26. Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim added 22 and 23 respectively.

Pakistan, in reply, were bowled out for 232 in 57.4 overs, conceding a first-innings lead of 46 runs.

Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with a fighting 68 off 84 balls, striking 10 fours before being dismissed by Nahid Rana. Sajid Khan also played an entertaining knock of 38 from 28 deliveries, smashing four sixes and two boundaries.

Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha made 21 runs each, while Azan Awais and Mohammad Rizwan scored 13 apiece.

For Bangladesh, Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam took three wickets each, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed two wickets apiece.