Shanto’s 87 Powers Bangladesh To Set Pakistan 268-Run Target In Thrilling Test Finale

Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto struck a fluent 87 as Bangladesh set Pakistan a challenging 268-run target on the fifth day of the first Test, keeping the contest finely poised.

Pakistan reached 6-1 at lunch , with pacer Taskin Ahmed striking early by dismissing Imam-ul-Haq for 2 , giving the hosts an early breakthrough in the chase.

Bangladesh declared their second innings at 240-9 , resuming the day at 152-3 and extending their overall lead to 179 runs . The home side adopted an aggressive approach to set up a result, with Shanto anchoring the innings with composure and intent.

The Bangladesh captain’s knock included seven boundaries , and he looked in control before being dismissed lbw by left-arm spinner Noman Ali (3-76) . Earlier, Mushfiqur Rahim fell cheaply to Hasan Ali , but Bangladesh rebuilt through Shanto and useful contributions down the order.

All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz added a quick 24 off near run-a-ball pace , pushing the lead past the 250-mark and allowing Bangladesh to declare with 76 overs remaining .

For Pakistan, Hasan Ali (3-52) was the standout bowler, while Noman Ali also impressed with three wickets. Hasan Ali had earlier removed Taskin, caught by Imam, as Bangladesh wrapped up their innings strategically.

Bangladesh had earlier posted 413 in their first innings , taking a slender 27-run lead after bowling out Pakistan for 386 , with Mehidy Hasan starring with a five-wicket haul .

At the interval, Pakistan’s openers Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais were unbeaten, setting up a tense final phase of the Test match with 262 runs still required for victory.