Bangladesh’s seasoned wicketkeeper-batter, Mushfiqur Rahim, has added another remarkable achievement to his already illustrious career by crossing the 15,000-run mark in international cricket. This milestone was reached on the third day of the Rawalpindi Test against Pakistan, as Mushfiqur played an unbeaten knock of 55 runs, which also marked his 28th Test fifty.
The day began with Bangladesh resuming their innings at 27 for no loss in response to Pakistan’s formidable first innings total of 448 for six declared. However, an early setback occurred when opener Zakir Hasan was dismissed for 12, courtesy of a sharp delivery from Naseem Shah that resulted in a caught-behind.
Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto then joined Shadman Islam at the crease. The duo adopted a cautious approach, adding 22 runs before Shanto fell victim to Khurram Shahzad’s precise bowling, being bowled out for 16.
Despite these initial losses, Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque took charge, stabilizing the innings with a solid 81-run partnership. Shadman played a brilliant innings, scoring 93 runs before he was clean-bowled by Mohammad Ali, missing out on a well-deserved century. Mominul Haque’s composed knock of 50 also ended when he was dismissed by Shahzad, leaving Bangladesh at a somewhat precarious 147 for three.
As the day progressed, Bangladesh’s situation became more challenging when star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was dismissed for 15 runs, handing debutant Saim Ayub his first Test wicket. At this juncture, Bangladesh was struggling at 218 for five and teetering on the edge of a collapse.
It was then that Mushfiqur Rahim stepped in, joining forces with Litton Das, who counterattacked with an aggressive innings. Liton Das scored an unbeaten 52 off just 58 balls, which included eight boundaries and a six, keeping the scoreboard ticking and reducing the deficit.
Mushfiqur and Liton’s unbeaten 98-run partnership brought Bangladesh back into the game, as they ended Day Three at 316 for five, trailing Pakistan by 132 runs. Mushfiqur’s steady knock, laced with seven boundaries, and Liton’s fiery batting have kept Bangladesh’s hopes alive in this contest.
As Mushfiqur Rahim adds this milestone to his career achievements, Bangladesh’s fans will be hoping that his and Liton Das’s efforts can lead the team to a strong position in this closely contested Test match against Pakistan.
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