Pakistan Face Record Chase as Bangladesh Close In

News Desk 

Dhaka: Pakistan kept their hopes alive in a tense run chase against Bangladesh, finishing day four of the Sylhet Test on 316-7, still needing 121 runs for victory in what could become a record-breaking chase of 437.

Despite a fighting unbeaten partnership between Mohammad Rizwan (75*) and Sajid Khan (8*), Bangladesh remained firmly in control as spinner Taijul Islam produced a match-defining spell of 4-113 to leave Pakistan three wickets away from defeat.

The hosts are now on the brink of a historic home Test series win over Pakistan after already taking the opening match of the two-Test series. Bangladesh had also whitewashed Pakistan 2-0 away in 2024, and another victory would mark consecutive Test series triumphs over their rivals.

Pakistan’s chase faltered early before captain Shan Masood (71) and Babar Azam (47) rebuilt with an aggressive partnership. However, Bangladesh regained momentum after lunch through Taijul, who removed both Babar and Salman Agha (71), while pacer Nahid Rana dismissed Saud Shakeel cheaply.

At 200-5 tea, Pakistan appeared headed for defeat before Rizwan and Agha revived hopes with a 134-run stand. But Taijul struck again with a clever arm ball to bowl Agha, and Hasan Ali departed soon after without scoring.

With only three wickets remaining, Pakistan still needed to surpass the West Indies’ world-record chase of 418 against Australia in 2003. Pakistan’s highest successful Test chase remains 377.

Bangladesh bowling coach Shaun Tait said his side remained confident of sealing victory on the final day, while Pakistan batting coach Asad Shafiq backed Rizwan and Sajid to extend the fight.