Bangladesh sets record 437-run target against Pakistan
Published: 19 May 2026, 1:56:03
Bangladesh have set Pakistan a monumental target of 437 runs to win the Sylhet Test, leaving the visitors needing a world-record run chase.
Propelled by a historic century from veteran Mushfiqur Rahim and a solid half-century by Litton Das, the hosts were bowled out for 390 in their second innings, securing a massive 436-run overall lead.
To win the match, Pakistan will have to surpass the highest successful run chase in Test cricket history, a record currently held by the West Indies for their 418-run pursuit against Australia.
Resuming the third day on Monday with a lead of 156 runs, Bangladesh lost their captain Najmul Hossain Shanto early. Shanto fell lbw to pacer Khurram Shahzad for 15 off 46 balls after an unsuccessful review.
However, Mushfiqur Rahim, who resumed the day with Shanto, was joined by first-innings centurion Litton Das to steady the innings.
The duo constructed an unbroken 88-run partnership by the end of the first session, taking the overall lead to 249. Litton continued his spectacular form, registering his 20th Test half-century right after the lunch break. He eventually fell for 69. With his stellar performances across both innings, Litton recorded his highest match aggregate in Test cricket, surpassing his previous best of 193 against Sri Lanka in May 2022.
Following his departure, Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with a brief 19 off 39 deliveries.
The highlight of the innings was Mushfiqur Rahim. Now playing exclusively in the longest format, the veteran middle-order batter showcased his class with a magnificent 137 off 233 balls.
He reached the three-figure mark off 178 balls, hitting nine boundaries and a six. This marked his 14th Test century, giving him the record for the most centuries by any Bangladeshi cricketer in red-ball history.
Mushfiqur received valuable support from the lower order to further inflate the target. Taijul Islam contributed a patient 22 off 51 balls, while pacers Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam added 6 and 12 runs respectively, frustrating the Pakistani bowlers before the innings finally concluded.
