Bangladesh’s veteran wicketkeeper-batter, Mushfiqur Rahim, achieved yet another milestone in his illustrious career by completing 15,000 international runs during the third day of the Rawalpindi Test against Pakistan. His unbeaten knock of 55 not only made him reach his 28th Test fifty but also helped the visitors to finish on 316 for five at stumps, keeping the side in the contest.
The day began with Bangladesh resuming their innings at 27 without loss, responding to Pakistan’s first innings total of 448 for six declared. The early loss of opener Zakir Hasan for 12, caught behind off Naseem Shah’s bowling, put Bangladesh on the back foot. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto joined Shadman Islam at the crease, and the pair started cautiously, adding 22 runs before Shanto was bowled by Khurram Shahzad for 16.
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Despite these setbacks, Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque steadied the innings with an 81-run partnership. Shadman, who played a brilliant knock of 93, fell just short of a well-deserved century and was bowled by Mohammad Ali. Mominul contributed a crucial 50 before being dismissed by Shahzad, leaving Bangladesh at 147 for three.
The situation became more tricky when Shakib Al Hasan was dismissed for 15, giving debutant Saim Ayub his first Test wicket. At 218 for five, Bangladesh was on the brink of a collapse. However, Rahim joined Liton Das, who played an aggressive innings, scoring 52 not out off 58 balls.
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Together, the duo put on an unbeaten 98-run stand, guiding Bangladesh to a comfortable position. The right-hand batter’s knock had seven boundaries, Meanwhile, Liton’s innings included eight fours and a six, also kept the scoreboard ticking.
As Bangladesh ended Day Three at 316 for five, trailing by 132 runs, the team’s hopes of a strong reply were kept alive by the experienced duo of Mushfiqur and Liton.