Mushfiqur century tightens Bangladesh’s grip as Pakistan wilt in Sylhet

SYLHET: Bangladesh tightened their hold on the second Test in Sylhet as Mushfiqur Rahim’s composed century and another disciplined batting effort stretched Pakistan’s problems deep into day three.

Resuming on 110 for 3 with a slender lead already in hand, Bangladesh steadily pushed Pakistan further behind, finishing the session strongly at 238 for 4 in their second innings and extending their overall lead to 284 runs.

The day began with Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur looking to build on the platform laid late on day two. Pakistan struck early when Khurram Shehzad trapped Shanto lbw for 15 with the score on 115, briefly raising hopes of a collapse. But Mushfiqur ensured there was no opening for Pakistan’s bowlers, calmly steering the innings forward and bringing up yet another Test hundred.

Pakistan’s attack, which had shown promise in Bangladesh’s first innings, struggled to maintain pressure for long periods as the hosts rotated strike comfortably and capitalised on loose deliveries. Khurram remained the most threatening seamer, but support from the other end was inconsistent.

Earlier, Bangladesh had ended day two on 110 for 3 after bowling Pakistan out for 232 in the first innings to secure a useful lead.

Pakistan began the second day on 21 without loss but quickly lost both openers. Azan Awais fell for 13 and Abdullah Fazal managed only 9 as Bangladesh’s seamers exploited helpful conditions.

Shan Masood briefly resisted with 21 before Babar Azam played the lone substantial hand for Pakistan with a fluent 68. But once Babar departed, Pakistan’s middle order once again failed to convert starts into meaningful contributions. Saud Shakeel made 8, Salman Agha scored 21 and Mohammad Rizwan added 13.

Lower-order contributions from Sajid Khan (38) and Hasan Ali (18) helped Pakistan cross 200, but the innings never seriously threatened Bangladesh’s first-innings total.

Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam starred with three wickets each, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with two apiece in another clinical bowling display from the hosts.

Bangladesh had earlier posted 278 in their first innings on the opening day, powered by Litton Das’ magnificent 126. Khurram Shehzad claimed four wickets for Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas picked up three, while Hasan Ali and Sajid Khan shared the remaining wickets.

Pakistan had entered the Test under pressure after losing the opening match of the two-Test series by 104 runs, and Bangladesh now appear firmly on course to seal a historic series sweep unless Pakistan can produce a dramatic turnaround on the final two days.