Bangladesh set Pakistan 437 to win after Mushfiqur Rahim’s masterclass

SYLHET: Bangladesh were bowled out for 390 in their second innings on the fourth day of the second Test in Sylhet, setting Pakistan a daunting target of 437 runs for victory.

Mushfiqur Rahim’s superb 137 anchored the innings, while Litton Das added a composed half-century as Bangladesh tightened their grip on the match. Pakistan, however, kept fighting through Khurram Shehzad, who claimed four wickets but also bowled as many as 10 no-balls in a long, erratic spell.

Bangladesh resumed the day in a strong position and continued to build on their advantage, stretching Pakistan’s bowling attack across sessions and steadily pushing the lead beyond reach. Mushfiqur once again stood out as the key figure, compiling a controlled and patient hundred that frustrated the visitors for long periods.

Litton provided valuable support with a fluent fifty, ensuring Bangladesh maintained momentum even after Pakistan picked up wickets at intervals.

Khurram remained Pakistan’s most threatening bowler, striking four times, but his spell was undermined by discipline issues as he overstepped repeatedly, handing Bangladesh additional scoring opportunities.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to maintain sustained pressure throughout the innings, with Bangladesh’s lower order also contributing useful runs to push the total to 390 before the final wicket fell.

Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had posted 278 in their first innings, led by Litton’s century, before dismissing Pakistan for 232 to establish a strong position in the contest.

Pakistan now require 437 runs in their second innings to win the Test and level the series, after losing the opening match by 104 runs, leaving them needing a record chase to avoid a series defeat.