Mushfiqur, Litton leave Pakistan facing huge 437-run chase in Sylhet Test

Mushfiqur Rahim produced another innings laced with poise and authority as Bangladesh tightened their hold on the Sylhet Test, setting Pakistan a daunting 437-run target after a third day built on discipline, resilience and timely aggression in Sylhet.

When fading light finally brought play to an early close, Pakistan had survived two testing overs at 0 for 0, with Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam already extracting movement and discomfort under gloomy skies on Monday.

Mushfiqur stood tall with his 14th Test century, crafting a magnificent 233-ball innings that steered Bangladesh through the match’s most delicate phase.

He also overtook Mominul Haque for the most Test centuries by a Bangladeshi batter.

He first combined superbly with Litton Das in a vital 123-run fifth-wicket stand that blunted Pakistan’s momentum.

Later, he found another valuable ally in Taijul Islam, adding 77 runs for the seventh wicket to stretch Bangladesh’s advantage beyond Pakistan’s reach.

Mushfiqur’s innings was a lesson in tempo and composure.

He began cautiously, playing late and close to the body as the seamers searched for movement, before gradually unfurling the strokes that define his best red-ball batting.

Crisp cover drives, sharp square cuts and controlled sweeps flowed alongside commanding pulls through midwicket and firm hits straight down the ground. His 12 boundaries and a six reflected quiet dominance rather than recklessness.

Pakistan briefly threatened during the morning session.

Shahzad bowled with menace and trapped Najmul Hossain Shanto lbw for 15, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz later fell to another superb delivery.

Litton, fresh from his first-innings hundred, once again batted with fluency and intent.

He survived a run-out scare on 38 when Babar Azam missed the stumps from short midwicket, and Sajid Khan later spilt a return catch after Litton had reached fifty.

Pakistan paid heavily for those lapses as Litton struck a stylish 69 from 92 balls before falling to Hasan Ali.

Taijul then frustrated Pakistan further with a composed 22, ensuring Mushfiqur had the support needed to drive Bangladesh into a position of overwhelming strength.