Shanto’s 87 Powers Bangladesh to 268-Run Target Against Pakistan in Dhaka Test
Bangladesh 413 and 240 for 9 dec (Shanto 87, Mominul 56, Hasan 3-52) lead Pakistan 386 (Awais 103, Fazal 60, Mehidy 5-102) by 267 runs
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Shanto’s Grit Sets Stage for Bangladesh Victory Push
Bangladesh have thrown down the gauntlet to Pakistan, declaring their second innings at 240 for 9 on the fifth morning in Mirpur to set a target of 268 runs. The hosts, led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, opted to call back their batters after Taskin Ahmed fell to Hasan Ali in the 21st over of the day, sealing a bold and calculated move to force a result.
Shanto Misses Double Century but Anchors Batting
Shanto was once again at the heart of Bangladesh’s effort, crafting a composed 87 off 150 balls, laced with seven boundaries. His innings followed a first-innings century, narrowly missing the chance to join an elite list of players with twin hundreds in a Test match. After laying a solid foundation, Shanto’s reverse sweep misfired against Noman Ali, handing the veteran spinner a monumental wicket.
Pakistan began the day with early momentum. Hasan Ali struck early, removing Mushfiqur Rahim for 22. Rahim had looked in control, striking four boundaries off 37 deliveries, before lofting one to Shan Masood at mid-off. Shortly after, Litton Das departed for 11 off 28, visibly hampered by injury. Shaheen Afridi found the edge, and Hasan Ali made no mistake with a sharp catch at fine leg.
Mehidy’s Fireworks and Noman’s Milestone
Just when the pressure was building, Mehidy Hasan Miraz responded with flair. The all-rounder launched into Shaheen Afridi with two crisp fours and then sent Noman Ali over midwicket for a huge six, showcasing his aggressive intent. He survived a close stumping call off Noman, with Mohammad Rizwan failing to gather cleanly, but could not sustain the charge.
The spotlight soon shifted to Noman Ali, who claimed the wicket of Shanto to reach a career milestone—100 Test wickets. At 39 years and 213 days old at the start of this match, he became the oldest player in Test history to achieve the feat, a testament to his enduring skill and consistency.
Pakistan’s Uphill Battle
With 76 overs remaining, Pakistan must chase 268 to win—a challenging but feasible target on this Mirpur pitch. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers, particularly Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who took a five-wicket haul in the first innings (5-102), will look to exploit any lingering turn and pressure.
Awais Zia’s maiden century (103) and Fazal Niaz’s steady 60 had earlier steadied Pakistan’s reply to Bangladesh’s 413. But now, the visitors face a do-or-die final day, with Bangladesh eyeing a series-leveling victory.
What’s at Stake?
For Bangladesh, this is a chance to assert themselves in home conditions and build momentum under Shanto’s leadership. For Pakistan, the challenge is mental as much as technical—can they navigate deep into the evening or collapse under the pressure?
The match has already delivered moments of individual brilliance, historic milestones, and tense exchanges. Now, all eyes are on the final day as the subcontinental rivals battle for supremacy in a Test that has everything on the line.
