Mushfiqur first Bangladesh batter to breach 16,000 int’l runs
Mushfiqur Rahim brought up a landmark moment in Sylhet as he crossed 16,000 international runs, becoming the first Bangladesh batter to achieve the milestone across formats during the second Test against Pakistan on Day 3 today.
The milestone arrived in trademark fashion, as he moved into the record books with a boundary off Khurram Shahzad. The Pakistan seamer went slightly short and wide outside off, and Mushfiqur opened the face of the bat with soft hands, guiding the ball neatly through the gap between slip and gully as it raced away to the rope.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Mushfiqur then slammed his 14th Test hundred.
After Tea, the right-hander completed the century, smashing a boundary against Mohammad Abbas. With this hundred Mushfiqur now holds the highest number of Bangladeshi Test centurions, surpassing Mominul Haque (13)
Bangladesh, leading the series 1-0, were firmly placed at 322 for 6 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 368 runs. Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on a gritty 103, while Taijul Islam was alongside him on 9.
The 39-year-old, who scored 23 in the first innings, had begun his 478th international outing (Tests matches: 102; ODIs: 274; T20Is: 102) on 15,898 runs. He is now the 34th player in history to join the 16k-club.
Litton falls for 69 in 123-run stand with Mushfiqur
Litton Das fell for a superb 69 but Bangladesh remain firmly in control with a lead of 293 runs against Pakistan on the third day of the Sylhet Test today.
The right-hander, who had earlier powered a defining century in the first innings, was dismissed for 69 off 92 deliveries post-Lunch, caught by Saud Shakeel off Hasan Ali after once again anchoring the second innings through a crucial phase alongside Mushfiqur Rahim.
The dismissal brought an end to a match-high 123-run fifth-wicket partnership. Pakistan, however, had briefly threatened to break the stand through Sajid Khan, who dropped Litton off his own bowling in the 57th over.
Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on 56, holding the innings together as the Tigers moved to 247 for five at 67 overs, with bowling all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the middle at the drinks break before Tea interval.
Earlier in the session, Litton had reached his 20th Test fifty, followed by Mushfiqur’s 30th. Their stand also brought up the first century partnership of the match.
Litton, Mushy tighten Tigers’ grip on Pakistan as lead grows to 249
Bangladesh moved firmly into the driving seat by Lunch on Day 3 of the second Test in Sylhet today, stretching their overall lead to 249 runs despite Pakistan striking early with the wicket of skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto.
At 115 for four, the visitors had a brief opening to seize momentum. Instead, experienced campaigners Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das absorbed the pressure before gradually turning the session Bangladesh’s way with an unbroken 88-run fifth-wicket partnership.
Litton, fresh off his first-innings century, once again looked assured in testing conditions, remaining unbeaten on 48 off 66 deliveries at the interval. Mushfiqur complemented him with a composed 39 not out off 80 balls.
Litton was handed a reprieve on 38 when a sharp run-out chance went begging in the 47th over. Khurram Shahzad delivered a good-length ball outside off and Litton pushed it with soft hands before setting off for a quick single. Mushfiqur initially refused and slipped on the pitch, leaving Litton stranded mid-pitch. Babar Azam, stationed at the point region, had ample time to effect the dismissal but his throw at the stumps missed the target.
With six wickets still in hand and conditions easing for batting compared to the opening day, Bangladesh will look to bat Pakistan out of the game in the post-Lunch session.
Shanto fails to replicate Mirpur heroics in Sylhet
Najmul Hossain Shanto endured another disappointing outing as Bangladesh captain was dismissed cheaply on the third morning of the second Test against Pakistan at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.
Pakistan pacer Khurram Shahzad struck a crucial blow in the opening hour after trapping Shanto lbw for 15 off 46 deliveries.
The dismissal came after Shahzad repeatedly tested the left-hander with deliveries on a probing length outside off stump. One such ball jagged back sharply and stayed low as Shanto attempted to work it across the line through midwicket. The ball struck him flush on the front pad, prompting a loud appeal from the Pakistan players.
Although Shanto reviewed the decision after a brief discussion with Mushfiqur Rahim, replays confirmed there was no bat involved and ball-tracking showed the delivery crashing into leg stump, leaving the on-field decision unchanged.
Shanto’s dismissal was another setback for the Bangladesh skipper, who had also failed to convert his start in the first innings, managing 29 runs. The twin failures came after his impressive performances in the opening Test at Mirpur, where he scored 101 and 87.
Bangladesh resumed the third day on 110 for three in their second innings, with Shanto unbeaten on 13. Following his departure, Litton Das, fresh from his century in the first innings, joined Mushfiqur at the crease as the hosts looked to build a commanding lead.
Bangladesh had progressed to 126 for four, extending their overall lead to 172 runs.
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