century Mushfiqur Rahim leaves Pakistan with a mountain to climb in the Sylhet Test

Pakistan were left with a monumental task on Day 3 of the Sylhet Test, needing 437 runs to win after Bangladesh produced a formidable all-round performance to take complete control of the match. Pakistan could not open their account as Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal survived two Test maidens before bad light forced an early end to play.

Bangladesh’s second innings was built on a marathon effort by Mushfiqur Rahim, who played one of his best Test knocks under pressure. He compiled a majestic 137 off 233 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six, and anchored the innings for long stretches in two sessions.

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

Mushfiqur initially absorbed the early pressure before settling into a rhythm, spinning the strike smartly and capitalizing on loose deliveries. His innings finally ended when he was caught by Sajid Khan and broke a stubborn resistance after a long stand that let Pakistan down.

LITTON DAS SEPTEMBER AGAIN

At the other end, Litton Das provided the perfect attacking counterpoint. Fresh off a century in the first innings, he made a smooth 69 off 92 balls, hitting five boundaries and keeping the score healthy.

Litton looked in full control against both pace and spin, but his aggressive intent cost him when he was caught by Hasan Ali as he attempted to take Bangladesh past 350 and further accelerate the lead. By the time both the batsmen were dismissed, Bangladesh had already put the match beyond Pakistan’s reach.

Pakistan’s bowling effort showed short discipline but lacked consistency in long spells. Khurram Shahzad was an outstanding performer, finishing with 4 wickets, repeatedly hitting uncomfortable lengths and disrupting key partnerships. Sajid Khan took 3 wickets, pulled the curve but also gave up runs on a surface that loosened under the sun.

Hasan Ali picked up 2 wickets, including the important dismissal of Litton Das, while Mohammad Abbas played tight lines but only managed a solitary wicket. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 390 as they built up a decisive lead long before the last wicket fell.

PAKISTAN TASK IN THE HEAT

In the short final session, Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal came out with the sole objective of survival. Both showed caution against disciplined spells from Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam. However, just as they began to settle down, deteriorating visibility forced the umpires to halt play due to poor light, leaving Pakistan still staring at an almost impossible chase heading into Day 4.

With Bangladesh firmly in control and Pakistan needing some extra batting, the Sylhet Test looks set to be heavily tilted in the home side’s favour.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

18 May 2026 17:41 IST