Bangladesh produced a commanding display on day three of the Sylhet Test, placing Pakistan under enormous pressure after setting a challenging target of 437 runs. The hosts were driven by a superb century from veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim, while Litton Das and Mahmudul Hasan Joy added valuable half centuries to strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the contest.
The day belonged to Mushfiqur, whose calm and disciplined innings became the backbone of Bangladesh’s second innings. The experienced right hander occupied the crease for 233 deliveries and crafted an outstanding knock filled with patience and precision. He struck 12 boundaries along with a six during his stay at the wicket, registering his 14th Test hundred and his third century in the second innings of a Test match.
Bangladesh faced a difficult situation early in the morning session when captain Najmul Hossain Shanto departed for 15 after being trapped lbw by Shahzad. Pakistan sensed an opportunity, especially with the pitch offering movement for the seamers. However, Mushfiqur and Litton steadied the innings brilliantly and gradually shifted the momentum back towards the home side.
Litton continued the excellent form he showed in the first innings and played freely despite the challenging conditions. The wicketkeeper batter added 69 runs from 92 balls with five boundaries. He survived a major scare on 38 when Babar Azam missed a direct hit during a run out chance. Sajid Khan also dropped him after he crossed his half century. Litton eventually fell attempting an aggressive upper cut, but by then he had already helped Bangladesh extend their advantage significantly.
Mushfiqur later received useful support from Taijul Islam, who contributed 22 valuable runs in a 77 run partnership for the seventh wicket. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was dismissed by a sharp delivery from Shahzad, yet Pakistan struggled to break Bangladesh’s control for most of the day.
With around 35 minutes remaining, Mushfiqur became the final wicket to fall in the 103rd over, bringing an end to a remarkable innings that placed Bangladesh firmly ahead.
Pakistan then survived two tense overs before fading light ended play. Openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais remained scoreless as Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam immediately tested them with disciplined pace bowling.
