Rawalpindi, Pakistan – August 24, 2024 — Mushfiqur Rahim’s heroic innings of 191 has left Pakistan facing a tough challenge as they enter the final day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Rahim’s extraordinary performance, which came just short of a double century, has put Bangladesh in a commanding position with Pakistan trailing by 117 runs.
Resuming play on the fourth day at his overnight score of 55, Mushfiqur Rahim displayed remarkable resilience and skill to guide Bangladesh to a formidable total of 565. His innings, which spanned over eight hours and 341 deliveries, featured 22 boundaries and a six, making it one of the most memorable performances in Bangladeshi cricket history.
Rahim’s innings is now the second-highest individual score by a Bangladeshi batter in Test cricket, only behind Mohammad Ashraful’s 190. His remarkable knock was finally brought to an end when he was caught behind off the bowling of Mohammad Ali, who finished with figures of 2 for 88.
Rahim’s standout innings was bolstered by a record-breaking partnership with Mehidy Hasan Miraz for the seventh wicket. The duo added 196 runs, breaking a 48-year-old record for the highest partnership against Pakistan, previously held by New Zealand’s Warren Lees and Sir Richard Hadlee, who shared a 186-run stand in Karachi in 1976.
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Mehidy played a crucial supporting role, scoring 77 off 179 balls, including six fours. He was eventually dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who finished with figures of 2 for 88 in the innings. Mehidy’s innings, despite being marred by two dropped catches, was vital in helping Bangladesh reach their third-highest total in Test matches outside of home.
Video & Photo : PCB
Pakistan’s bowlers faced an uphill battle on Day 4, with Naseem Shah providing the early breakthrough by dismissing Litton Das for 56. However, the Pakistani attack struggled to make further inroads as Rahim and Mehidy dominated the proceedings for the better part of the day.
Naseem Shah was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, claiming 3 wickets for 93 runs from 27.3 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, fresh from celebrating the birth of his first child, also contributed with 2 wickets, as did Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad. However, Pakistan’s spinners, particularly Salman Ali Agha, went wicketless, with dropped catches off his bowling compounding the team’s frustration.
With Bangladesh posting a challenging first-innings total of 565, Pakistan began their response cautiously. By the end of the fourth day, Pakistan had reached 23 for 1, still trailing by 117 runs. Opener Abdullah Shafique (12) and captain Shan Masood (9) were at the crease, while Saim Ayub was the only casualty, falling for just one run.
As the Test enters its final day, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s batsmen to see if they can chase down Bangladesh’s imposing total or at least secure a draw. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be eager to press home their advantage and push for a victory that would be a significant achievement in their cricketing history.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s near-double century has undoubtedly set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the Test, with both teams still very much in contention. The outcome of this match could hinge on how well Pakistan’s batsmen handle the pressure on the final day.
