Pakistan’s cricket team faces a monumental challenge in the second Test against Bangladesh, needing to chase down 437 runs after the hosts posted a commanding second-innings total on day three at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
The visitors ended Monday’s play at a cautious 0-0 after just two overs, with openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais set to resume on day four facing what would be one of the highest successful fourth-innings chases in Test cricket history.
Bangladesh’s imposing target came courtesy of veteran wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim’s exceptional 137 off 233 deliveries, an innings decorated with 12 boundaries and a six. The 39-year-old anchored Bangladesh’s second innings of 390, building crucial partnerships that transformed the hosts’ 46-run first-innings lead into an almost insurmountable advantage.
Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy contributed a solid 52 off 64 balls with 10 fours, while Litton Das added a valuable 69 off 92 deliveries. Lower-order contributions from Taijul Islam and others helped Bangladesh bat deep into the third day.
For Pakistan, fast bowler Khurram Shahzad emerged as the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4-86 in 20 overs, while spinner Sajid Khan claimed three wickets. However, their efforts couldn’t prevent Bangladesh from setting a target that appears beyond reach on a wearing Sylhet pitch.
The match situation represents a dramatic turnaround from Pakistan’s hopes when Babar Azam returned from injury to play the second Test. The star batsman, who missed the first Test due to a knee problem, made an immediate impact by scoring a fighting 68 off 84 balls in Pakistan’s first innings.
More significantly, Babar’s innings allowed him to achieve a remarkable statistical milestone. The 31-year-old became the only batsman to surpass 9,000 international runs in the 2020s, reaching the landmark in his 212th international appearance of the decade. His tally includes 67 half-centuries and 17 centuries at an average of 42.53, placing him well ahead of England’s Joe Root (8,305 runs) and teammate Mohammad Rizwan (7,779 runs).
Despite Babar’s personal achievement and a quickfire 38 from Sajid Khan lower down the order, Pakistan were dismissed for just 232 in their first innings, trailing by 46 runs. Bangladesh’s bowling attack, led by pacer Nahid Rana and spinner Taijul Islam with three wickets each, exploited helpful conditions to restrict the visitors.
The first innings had seen Bangladesh recover from a precarious 116-6 position thanks to Litton Das’s magnificent 126 off 159 deliveries. The right-hander held the innings together with crucial partnerships with the lower order, helping Bangladesh post 278 despite early collapses.
Pakistan now face an almost impossible task on day four. A successful chase would require not just individual brilliance but sustained partnerships across the batting order on a pitch offering assistance to Bangladesh’s spinners. The weather could also play a role, with rain predicted for the remaining days.
The match situation leaves Pakistan staring at a potential 2-0 series defeat after losing the first Test by 104 runs. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed had expressed optimism before the second Test about bouncing back with Babar’s return, but his team now needs something close to a miracle.
For Bangladesh, victory appears within touching distance. A win would seal their first Test series triumph over Pakistan on home soil in commanding fashion, building on their historic 2-0 series win in Pakistan where they proved they could compete with the visitors even with Babar in the lineup.
As play resumes on day four, Pakistan’s openers will need to survive the new ball and build a foundation that seems almost impossible given the target and match situation. Bangladesh’s spinners will be eager to wrap up the match quickly and celebrate a memorable series victory.