Bangladesh set Pakistan a target of 268 runs on Tuesday in the first Test of the two-match series after declaring their second innings at 240 for nine on the fifth morning at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. If Pakistan manage to chase this target then it will be the highest successful chase at Mirpur.
Bangladesh resumed on 152 for three and pushed for quick runs but lost wickets at regular intervals. They added 88 runs in 20 overs before declaring, leaving Pakistan with 76 overs to chase the target on a wearing Mirpur pitch.
Bangladesh national cricket team built their innings around Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 87 from 150 balls after his first-innings century. Mehidy Hasan Miraz made 24, while Mushfiqur Rahim added 22 before falling early in the final session push.
Shanto missed out on a landmark when Noman Ali trapped him LBW after a reverse sweep attempt. A third century in both innings of a Test would have placed him alongside a rare group including Ricky Ponting, Sunil Gavaskar and David Warner.
Pakistan national cricket team now face a target that sits above the highest successful chase at Mirpur. No side has chased more than 209 runs to win a Test at this venue.
Pakistan are on 18/1 after 6 overs. They need 250 more to win with 70 overs in hand. Right before the lunch break Litton Das took the catch of Imam-Ul-Haq bowled by Taskin Ahmed.
England hold that record with 209 for one in 2010, while South Africa sit next with 205 for five in 2008. Bangladesh’s own best chase at the ground stands at 138 for three against Ireland in 2023.
Pakistan step into the final innings needing to break a strong historical barrier in Mirpur conditions that have often favoured bowlers late in matches. Bangladesh also carry recent confidence, having won their last two Tests against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 2024.
