Mushfiqur ton leaves Pakistan needing record run chase to beat Bangladesh

Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim struck a commanding century as Bangladesh set Pakistan a 437-run victory target in the second Test in Sylhet on Monday. The hosts posted 390 all out in their second innings on day three, leaving Pakistan needing a record chase to level the two-match series.

What target does Pakistan need to chase to win the second Test?

Pakistan must score 437 runs to win the second Test in Sylhet and level the series at 1-1. That would surpass the all-time record fourth-innings chase of 418, set by West Indies against Australia in Antigua in 2003. Pakistan have never successfully chased more than 377 in Test cricket.

How did Mushfiqur Rahim's innings shape the day?

Mushfiqur anchored Bangladesh's second innings with a masterful 137 off 233 balls, an innings featuring 12 fours and one six. He reached his century off 178 balls with a boundary off Mohammad Abbas, the shot that moved him past Mominul Haque's Bangladesh record of 13 Test hundreds. At 39, it was his 14th Test century and his eighth since 2022.

Mushfiqur and Litton Das put on 123 runs for the fifth wicket to put the Pakistan bowlers under sustained pressure. Litton, who had scored a century in the first innings, looked set for another big score before falling to Hasan Ali at deep third-man for 69. Taijul Islam then provided valuable lower-order support, adding 77 runs with Mushfiqur before off-spinner Sajid Khan dismissed him for 22.

How did Bangladesh build their lead after a shaky start?

Bangladesh began day three on 110-3, holding a lead of 156 runs. They lost skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto early for 15, but Mushfiqur steadied the innings and pushed the total to a commanding position. Mushfiqur was the last man dismissed, becoming Sajid Khan's third wicket of the innings.

Khurram Shahzad was Pakistan's most effective bowler, finishing with 4-86. Sajid claimed 3-126, but the visitors conceded a total that stretches the limits of what any team has ever achieved in a fourth innings.

What did Pakistan's camp say about chasing 437?

Pakistan pace bowling coach Umar Gul struck a defiant tone after play. "We have two days left and we are mentally prepared. If we bat through the full duration, there is a chance to win. We aren't just looking for a draw," he said. Gul added that two or three key partnerships would be critical, calling for brave and positive batting.

Pakistan openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal survived the final two overs of the day without scoring before bad light ended play. Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam, meanwhile, was confident the target would create psychological pressure. "When they see the target number, many things may work in their minds. Discipline is very important now," he said.