Record Mushfiq ton gives Tigers shot at historic whitewash

Published : Monday, 18 May, 2026 at 7:24 PM Count : 13

Mushfiqur Rahim struck a record-breaking 137 to become Bangladesh's leading Test century-scorer and the oldest centurion in World Test Championship history as the hosts set Pakistan a mammoth 437-run target on day three of the second and final Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

The 39-year-old reached his 14th Test century and surpassed Mominul Haque's record of 13. The diminutive batter faced 233 balls, striking a dozen fours and one six before falling to Sajid Khan caught at deep midwicket attempting a big shot. Bangladesh were bowled out for 390 in their second innings, leaving Pakistan needing a world-record chase to win the match and level the series.

Pakistan, who have never successfully chased more than 377 in Test cricket — achieved against Sri Lanka in 2015 — faced two maiden overs from Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam before bad light ended play, closing day three on nought for no loss, still 437 runs adrift.

Bangladesh began the day on 110 for three with a lead of 156. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto fell early for 15, trapped leg before wicket by Khurram Shahzad, but Litton Kumar Das and Mushfiq combined for a magnificent 123-run fifth-wicket partnership off 188 deliveries to put Bangladesh in complete control. Litton, who scored a century in the first innings, made 69 before falling to Hasan Ali, caught at deep third man.

Mushfiq continued serenely, scoring his fifty off 103 balls before accelerating to his century off 178 balls with a boundary off Mohammad Abbas — the shot that moved him clear of Mominul and into the history books as Bangladesh's outright leading Test centurion. It was also his eighth Test century since 2022, an extraordinary return for a 39-year-old widely regarded as his country's greatest ever Test batter.

Mehedy Hasan Miraz was bowled by Shahzad for 19 before Taijul Islam provided valuable lower-order support, adding 77 runs with Mushfiq off 128 balls before holing out to Sajid Khan for 22. Taskin made six and Shoriful 12 before Mushfiq finally departed for 137, leaving Pakistan with an imposing target on a surface that has increasingly favoured batting.

Pakistan's highest successful chase against Bangladesh is 261, set in Multan in 2003. They will need to break their own all-time record by 60 runs to win this match — a task that appears almost impossible, but one they must attempt from the first ball on day four.

Shahzad was the most successful Pakistan bowler with four wickets for 86, while Sajid claimed three for 126 from 33.2 overs. Bangladesh lead the two-match series 1-0.

Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had posted 278 in their first innings on day one, rescued from 116 for six by Litton's magnificent 126, before dismissing Pakistan for 232 on day two.

FP/MI