Tigers set Pakistan 437-run mountain after Mushfiqur’s 137

Mushfiqur Rahim produced a record-breaking innings of 137 as Bangladesh set Pakistan an imposing 437-run target on day three of the second and final Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, moving the hosts closer to a historic series whitewash.

The 39-year-old batter became Bangladesh’s highest Test century-maker, surpassing Mominul Haque’s tally of 13 hundreds with his 14th Test century. He also became the oldest centurion in World Test Championship history. His innings came off 233 balls and included 12 fours and one six before he was dismissed by Sajid Khan at deep midwicket while attempting a big shot. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 390 in their second innings.

Pakistan now face a daunting chase of 437 runs to avoid defeat and level the series. Their highest successful run chase in Test cricket remains 377 against Sri Lanka in 2015, while their best effort against Bangladesh is 261 in Multan in 2003. They will need to produce a record-breaking effort to win this match.

At stumps on day three, Pakistan were 0 without loss after facing two maiden overs from Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, with bad light ending play early.

Bangladesh resumed the day on 110 for 3 with a lead of 156. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was dismissed early for 15, lbw to Khurram Shahzad, but Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the innings with a crucial 123-run fifth-wicket partnership. Litton, who had scored a century in the first innings, added 69 before being dismissed by Hasan Ali.

Mushfiqur reached his fifty off 103 balls and later brought up his century off 178 deliveries with a boundary off Mohammad Abbas, a milestone that took him past Mominul Haque as Bangladesh’s leading Test centurion. It was also his eighth Test hundred since 2022, underlining his remarkable consistency late in his career.

Mehedy Hasan Miraz contributed 19 before being bowled by Shahzad, while Taijul Islam offered valuable support with 22 in a 77-run stand with Mushfiqur. Taskin Ahmed made 6 and Shoriful Islam 12 as Bangladesh extended their lead further before being dismissed.

For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad and Hasan Ali struck key blows, while Sajid Khan finished with three wickets. Shahzad claimed four for 86 in a strong bowling effort, but Bangladesh still built a commanding position.

Earlier in the match, Bangladesh posted 278 in the first innings, with Litton Das scoring 126 after rescuing the side from 116 for 6. Pakistan were bowled out for 232 in reply, giving Bangladesh a decisive edge and putting them on course for a potential series sweep.