Bangladesh tightened their grip on the second Test against Pakistan in Sylhet as experienced duo Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das guided the hosts to a commanding 353-run lead at Tea on Day 3.
At the time this report was filed, Bangladesh were 307 for six in their second innings, with Mushfiqur unbeaten on 90 after another composed display under pressure.
Liton, who struck a brilliant 126 in the first innings, followed it up with a brisk 69 before returning to the pavilion after laying a solid platform for the Tigers.
Resuming the day on 110/3 with a first-innings lead of 46 runs, Bangladesh suffered an early setback when captain Najmul Hossain Shanto departed for 15.
Pakistan pacer Khurram Shahzad produced a sharp inswinger to trap Shanto leg-before in the fourth over of the morning and finish with impressive figures of 3-46.
However, Liton and Mushfiqur then took control with a crucial fifth-wicket partnership that frustrated Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
At lunch, Bangladesh had moved to 203/4, extending their lead past 240 runs. Liton was unbeaten on 48 at the break while Mushfiqur was batting on 39 as the pair steadily rotated the strike and punished loose deliveries.
Liton later completed his half-century before eventually falling for 69 after another fluent knock, continuing his rich form in the series.
Mushfiqur, meanwhile, anchored the innings superbly and kept Bangladesh on course for a massive target heading into the final stages of the match.
Earlier, Bangladesh were bowled out for 278 in their first innings before Pakistan replied with 232.
Former captain Babar Azam top-scored for the visitors with 68 in his return innings, but Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam, ensured the hosts secured a vital 46-run lead.
With more than a day remaining and a sizeable advantage already on the board, Bangladesh are firmly positioned to push for a historic 2-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan in Sylhet.
