Bangladesh set Pakistan a target of 437 runs

Mushfiqur Rahim's remarkable innings of 137 runs helped Bangladesh set a huge target of 437 runs in the second Test. The hosts were bowled out for 390 runs in 102.2 overs in the second innings on the third day at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The total target stood at 437, adding a lead of 46 runs in the first innings.

Mushfiqur, who entered the field at the end of the second day with 110 runs for 3 wickets, gave Bangladesh a big haul on the third day. He put on a 123-run partnership with Liton Das for the fifth wicket and a 77-run partnership with Taijul Islam for the seventh wicket. Mushfiqur was the last batsman to be out after scoring 137 runs off 233 balls, including 12 fours and a six. With this century, he surpassed Mominul Haque to become the highest scorer for Bangladesh in Tests, with 14 centuries. Liton also scored 69, Mahmudul Hasan Joy scored 52 and Taijul scored 22 runs.

For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad took 4 wickets, Sajid Khan 3 wickets and Hasan Ali 2 wickets. It is worth noting that Bangladesh scored 278 runs in the first innings and Pakistan 232 runs.

This time, the challenge before Pakistan is tough - because the history of Sylhet is not at all happy when it comes to chasing big targets in the fourth innings. In the five Tests played at this ground so far, it has been possible to successfully chase runs in the fourth innings only once. Last year, Zimbabwe defeated Bangladesh by three wickets and won by chasing only 174 runs. Apart from this, if the target of 300 runs was exceeded in the fourth innings, the batting team had to face a big defeat.

Bangladesh has also failed repeatedly in the face of big targets in the fourth innings at this ground. In 2018, the Tigers lost to Zimbabwe by 151 runs while chasing 321 runs in the debut Test at the venue. In 2024, they had to face a huge defeat of 328 runs while chasing the target of 511 runs set by Sri Lanka. New Zealand also lost by 150 runs after chasing 332 runs in 2023 at the same ground.

In all the Tests played in Bangladesh, there has only been one successful chase of more than 350 runs — the West Indies in 2021, chasing 395 runs with Kyle Meyers' incredible batting, to a memorable victory. It remains to be seen how much resistance Pakistan can mount, with the Sylhet wicket still conducive to batting.