2nd Test: Bangladesh set 437-run target for Pakistan 

Sylhet (Web Desk): Pakistan were set a towering 437-run target by Bangladesh in the second Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday, before ending the third day on 0 without loss after negotiating two cautious overs in their fourth-innings reply. Openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais will resume the chase on day four with a demanding task ahead.

Bangladesh had resumed their second innings with a 46-run advantage and were eventually dismissed for 390 in 102.2 overs, building a formidable total largely through a standout hundred from Mushfiqur Rahim.

The experienced batter crafted a superb 137 off 233 deliveries, striking 12 fours and a six before being removed by Sajid Khan. He found strong support from Litton Das, who compiled 69 from 92 balls with five boundaries, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy added a fluent 52 off 64 deliveries, decorated with 10 fours.

The middle and lower order also contributed valuable runs as Mushfiqur stitched together crucial stands with Litton Das and Taijul Islam, keeping Bangladesh in control deep into the innings.

Mominul Haque added 30 off 60 balls with three fours, while Taijul Islam made 22 off 51 deliveries. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shoriful Islam chipped in with 19 and 12 runs respectively to push the total closer to 400.

Pakistan’s bowling effort was spearheaded by Khurram Shahzad, who returned figures of 4 for 86 in 20 overs. Sajid Khan provided strong support with three wickets, while Hasan Ali took two and Mohammad Abbas claimed one.

Earlier in the match, Bangladesh’s first innings had seen them bowled out for 278 after being reduced to 116 for 6 soon after lunch, before Litton Das produced a commanding counterattack.

His brilliant 126 off 159 deliveries, featuring 16 fours and two sixes, held the innings together and shifted momentum back towards the hosts.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 29 off 74 balls, while Tanzid Hasan made 26 from 34 deliveries.

Mominul Haque contributed 22 off 41 balls, and Mushfiqur Rahim added 23 off 64. Late resistance came through Taijul Islam with 16 and Shoriful Islam unbeaten on 12, as they added useful partnerships exceeding 60 runs in the lower order.

Pakistan’s attack in that innings was led again by Khurram Shahzad, who picked up 4 for 81 in 17 overs. Mohammad Abbas took three wickets, Hasan Ali claimed two, and Sajid Khan added one more to keep Bangladesh within reach.

In reply, Pakistan’s first innings ended at 232 in 57.4 overs, giving Bangladesh a 46-run cushion. Babar Azam stood out with a fighting 68 off 84 balls, striking 10 fours before falling to Nahid Rana.

Sajid Khan added a quick 38 off 28 deliveries, including two fours and four sixes, while Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha contributed 21 runs apiece. Openers Azan Awais and Mohammad Rizwan both scored 13.

For Bangladesh, Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam were the chief wicket-takers with three each, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up two wickets apiece, ensuring their side remained in control heading into the final innings of the match.