DHAKA, May 18, 2026 (BSS) — Bangladesh moved closer to a series-clinching victory in the second Test against Pakistan after setting the visitors an improbable target, thanks to a record-breaking century of Mushfiqur Rahim on Day 3 at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

Seasoned campaigner Mushfiqur struck 137 off 233 with a dozen of boundaries and one six as Bangladesh were bowled out for 390 in their second innings leaving the visitors a daunting 437-run target for victory.

No team in Test cricket’s 149-year history has successfully chased more than 418 runs in the fourth innings.

Liton Das, who made a sublime 126 in the first innings, followed it up with an elegant 69.

Pakistan were able to bat two overs and couldn’t score before bad light forced an early stump.

Resuming the day at 110-3, Bangladesh suffered an early setback when by Khurram Shahzad trapped skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto leg-before with a sharp inswinger in just fourth over of the morning.

However, Mushfiqur and Liton then negotiated a disciplined Pakistan attack with equal unwavering resolve to wrest control back.

The pair eventually put Bangladesh firmly on top by sharing 123 runs for the fifth wicket.

Hasan Ali eventually broke the stand with a short-pitched delivery that accounted for Liton, but by then Bangladesh’s lead had surged close to 300.

Khurram Shahzad, Pakistan’s most successful bowler with 4-86, later removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 19 before Mushfiqur found another reliable partner in Taijul Islam.

Mushfiqur brought up his 14th Test century off 178 balls by steering Mohammad Abbas through the gully region for a boundary. The landmark innings saw him surpass Mominul Haque’s tally of 13 centuries to become Bangladesh’s highest century-maker in Test cricket.

The experienced batter added 77 runs for the seventh wicket with Taijul, further frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers and extending Bangladesh’s dominance.

Sajid Khan dismissed Taijul for 22 and later wrapped up the innings by removing Mushfiqur. The off-spinner finished with figures of 3-126.

Earlier, Bangladesh were bowled out for 278 in its first innings with Liton Das hitting a sublime 126. The bowlers then bowled impeccably to dismiss Pakistan for 232, helping the side to earn 46 runs lead.

Bangladesh won the first Test by 104 runs and a victory in this Test would give them second successive series-sweep against Pakistan, having done so on Pakistan soil in two-match series in 2024.