Mushfiqur Rahim century leaves Pakistan with a mountain to climb in Sylhet Test
BAN vs PAK, 2nd Test Day 3: Bangladesh dominated Day 3 of the Sylhet Test, setting Pakistan a massive target of 437 runs after Mushfiqur Rahim's brilliant 137 and Litton Das's fluent 69 in the second innings.
Pakistan were left with a monumental task on Day 3 of the Sylhet Test, needing 437 runs to win after Bangladesh produced a commanding all-round performance to seize complete control of the match. At stumps, Pakistan couldn’t open their accounts, with openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal surviving two testing maidens before bad light forced an early end to play.
Bangladesh’s second innings was built around a marathon effort from Mushfiqur Rahim, who played one of his finest Test knocks under pressure. He compiled a majestic 137 off 233 balls, striking 12 fours and a six, and anchored the innings for long stretches across two sessions.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 2nd Test Day 3: Highlights | Scorecard
Mushfiqur initially absorbed early pressure before settling into rhythm, rotating strike smartly and capitalising on loose deliveries. His innings eventually ended when he was caught off Sajid Khan, breaking a stubborn resistance after a prolonged stand that had frustrated Pakistan.
LITTON DAS SHINES AGAIN
At the other end, Litton Das provided the perfect attacking counterpoint. Fresh off a century in the first innings, he struck a fluent 69 off 92 balls, hitting five boundaries while keeping the scoring rate healthy.
Litton looked in full control against both pace and spin, but his aggressive intent cost him when he was caught off Hasan Ali, attempting to push Bangladesh beyond 350 and accelerate the lead further. By the time both batters were dismissed, Bangladesh had already put the match beyond Pakistan’s reach.
Pakistan’s bowling effort showed brief discipline but lacked consistency across long spells. Khurram Shahzad was the standout performer, finishing with 4 wickets, repeatedly hitting uncomfortable lengths and breaking key partnerships. Sajid Khan claimed 3 wickets, extracting turn but also conceding runs on a surface that eased under the sun.
Hasan Ali picked up 2 wickets, including the important dismissal of Litton Das, while Mohammad Abbas bowled tight lines but managed only a solitary wicket. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 390, having already built a decisive advantage well before the final wicket fell.
PAKISTAN FACE UPHILL TASK
In the brief final session, Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal came out with survival as the only objective. Both showed caution against disciplined spells from Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam. However, just as they began to settle, deteriorating visibility forced the umpires to halt play due to bad light, leaving Pakistan still staring at a near-impossible chase heading into Day 4.
With Bangladesh firmly in control and Pakistan needing an extraordinary batting effort, the Sylhet Test appears heavily tilted in the home side’s favour.