After a brain fade in Mirpur, Pakistan double up and are confident of chasing 437 in Sylhet

Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul said that Pakistan will be looking to chase down 437 against Bangladesh in the Sylhet Test. In the Mirpur Test, Salman Agha urged the Tigers to set a target of around 260 in 70 overs and warned them to chase it. Bangladesh eventually set them a target of 268 but Pakistan slumped to defeat by 104 runswe lose 0:1 in the series.

Pakistan have now doubled down and Gul has declared that they have the batting power to chase down the target. He also said that the conditions for batting have been favorable since the first day when there was moisture on the surface.

Bangladesh vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 3: Highlights | Scorecard

“The pitch was very good for me to bat on the second and third day because the ball hits the bat nicely. There was a bit of humidity and movement on the first day, but the batting is easier. So anything is possible in the Test because we can chase it,” Gul said in a press conference after the day’s match.

Out of the four Tests in Sylhet so far, only once has the team successfully chased down the target. Last year, Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by three wickets after chasing 174. Pakistan would make history if they chase down 437 as they become the highest run scorer in Test history.

The current record belongs to the West Indies, who chased down 418 against Australia in 2003 at St John’s, Antigua.

PAKISTAN AHEAD OF A DIFFICULT TASK

Pakistan are staring at a mountain of challenges in the Sylhet Test to level the series 1-1 after Bangladesh produced a dominant all-round performance to take full control of the match. At stumps on Day 3, Pakistan were yet to open their account, with openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal surviving two Test maidens before fading light forced an early end to play.

Bangladesh’s second innings was anchored by a masterclass from Mushfiqur Rahim, who blasted a composed 137 off 233 balls, including 12 fours and a six. Batting with patience and control, he absorbed the pressure early before shifting into gear to frustrate Pakistan’s attack at long-on.

Litton Das provided strong support with a fluent 69 off 92 balls, maintaining the pace and pushing Bangladesh’s lead beyond Pakistan’s reach.

Pakistan’s bowlers had brief moments of success but lacked sustained control, with Khurram Shahzad claiming four wickets and Sajid Khan three. Hasan Ali and Mohammad Abbas came on but Bangladesh still managed 390, setting themselves a formidable target that now leaves Pakistan facing an uphill battle heading into Day 4.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

18 May 2026 19:57 IST