Mushfiqur Rahim hit a record-breaking century as Bangladesh set Pakistan a daunting 437 runs for victory in the second cricket Test on Monday.
Rahim struck a superb 137 off 233, smashing 12 fours and one six to help Bangladesh post 390 in the second innings. Litton Das, followed his first-innings 126 with an elegant 69.
Mushfiqur’s 14th century saw him surpass Mominul Haque to become country’s most prolific test centurion.
The task Pakistan faces is stark: no other team in test cricket history has ever won a match chasing more than 418 runs.
“To chase 437 runs, you have to be brave and play positive cricket. In cricket, anything is possible, and there is a possibility for both teams,” Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul said.
“We have two days left, we are mentally prepared that there is enough time. If we bat through the full duration, there is a chance to win because we aren’t just looking for a draw. We are prepared for the chase.”
Pakistan batted two overs on Day 3 without scoring a run before bad light forced an early stump.
Khurram Shahzad, who claimed 4-86, trapped skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto lbw with a sharp inswinger in the fourth over for Pakistan’s only success in the morning session after the hosts resumed at 110-3.
Das and Rahim frustrated the Pakistan attack, negotiating the disciplined bowling with equal resolve.
They added 123 runs for the fifth wicket to put Bangladesh in control.
Pacer Hasan Ali undid Das with a short-pitched delivery to break the stand but by then Bangladesh’s lead had surged close to 300.
Shahzad removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 19 to give Pakistan a glimmer of hope to get back into the game. But Mushfiqur found another reliable partner in Taijul Islam to keep Pakistan bowlers frustrated.
He raised century off 178 balls by steering Mohammad Abbas through the gully region for a boundary.
Sajid Khan dismissed Taijul for 22, ending his 77-run stand with Mushfiqur.
“From what we have seen that the wicket is still good,” Taijul said. “But the target we set gives us psychological edge. When the opposition sees such a target, many thoughts come into their minds. Still we have to stay disciplined.”
Mushfiqur then guided lower order batters astutely to take the lead past 400 before Sajid wrapped up Bangladesh by removing him to finish with figures of 3-126.
Bangladesh earlier was bowled out for 278 in first innings, before taking a 46 runs lead, dismissing Pakistan for 232.
