Bangladesh set 268-run target for Pakistan in thrilling Mirpur Test

Bangladesh national cricket team have set a challenging 268-run target for Pakistan national cricket team in the Mirpur Test after declaring their second innings at 240 for 9 on the fifth morning.

Resuming the day with hopes of stretching the lead further, Bangladesh lost experienced batters one after another, including Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das. However, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto once again anchored the innings with a composed knock before falling agonisingly short of a century.

Shanto was trapped lbw by spinner Noman Ali while attempting a reverse sweep in the 68th over. The Bangladesh skipper reviewed the decision, but replays confirmed the dismissal, ending his innings at 87 off 150 balls.

Following Shanto’s departure, the hosts suffered a dramatic collapse as wickets tumbled quickly at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh eventually declared at 240/9 after the dismissal of Taskin Ahmed, setting Pakistan a target of 268 runs to win the Test.

For Pakistan, the bowling attack stood out as Hasan Ali and Noman Ali claimed three wickets each, while Shaheen Afridi chipped in with two. Their combined effort kept the pressure firmly on the hosts and played a key role in restricting Bangladesh’s batting momentum.

The visitors are expected to get nearly two sessions to chase the target, weather permitting.

Ahead of the final day, Pakistan batter Salman Ali Agha had indicated their aggressive intent, saying the team would go for victory if handed a target around 250 in two sessions.