Sylhet Cricket: Bangladesh Sets 427 Run Target for Pakistan

Mushfiqur Rahim's 14th Test century is a new record for Bangladesh, surpassing Mominul Haque's 13 centuries. This sets a challenging 427-run target for Pakistan.
By Newsroom | Sports, Cricket |

At the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim has forced Pakistan into a defensive posture, setting an imposing target of 427 runs to win the second Test match. As of today, May 20, 2026, the contest hangs on the potential of a record-breaking fourth-innings chase.

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TeamSecond Innings TotalMatch Status
Bangladesh390 all outTarget: 427
Pakistan0/0 (2 overs)Day 4 pending

Mushfiqur Rahim, at 39 years and seven days, has secured his position in Cricket History by scoring his 14th Test century—a new benchmark for his nation, surpassing the 13 centuries previously held by Mominul Haque. This innings marks him as the oldest centurion in the history of the World Test Championship.

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Tactical Shifts and Performance

The third day saw a pivotal 123-run partnership between Mushfiqur (137) and Litton Das (69). Despite aggressive short-ball tactics and varied field settings deployed by the Pakistan bowling attack, the pair neutralized the pressure.

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  • Pakistan bowling figures saw Khurram Shahzad secure 4-86.

  • Sajid Khan claimed 3-126.

  • The resistance offered by the middle order suggests a fundamental shift in the Test Legacy of the home side.

Investigative Context

The atmosphere surrounding the match remains taut. Umar Gul, Pakistan’s pace bowling coach, maintained a position of strategic optimism, stating, "In cricket, anything is possible," even as statistical probability leans heavily against the touring side.

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The requirement for 427 runs is an outlier in Test annals. If successful, Pakistan would be achieving a milestone that effectively nullifies the current momentum of the home team, who already claimed the opening match of this two-test series. Mushfiqur’s methodology—noted for his patience and high valuation of his own wicket—has become a point of study for team development, illustrating a departure from volatile batting trends seen in shorter formats of the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the target for Pakistan in the Sylhet Test match?
Bangladesh has set a target of 427 runs for Pakistan to win the second Test match. This was achieved after Bangladesh was all out for 390 in their second innings.
Q: Who set a new record for Bangladesh in the Sylhet Test?
Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim, aged 39 years and seven days, scored his 14th Test century. This is a new national record, breaking the previous record of 13 centuries held by Mominul Haque.
Q: How did Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das perform?
Mushfiqur Rahim scored 137 runs and Litton Das scored 69 runs. They had an important 123-run partnership that helped Bangladesh build a large lead against Pakistan's bowling.
Q: What are Pakistan's bowling figures in Bangladesh's second innings?
For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad took 4 wickets for 86 runs, and Sajid Khan took 3 wickets for 126 runs. Their efforts were not enough to stop Bangladesh from setting a high target.
Q: What is the significance of the 427-run target?
A successful chase of 427 runs would be a historic achievement for Pakistan. It would be a major upset and would nullify the momentum of the home team, who already won the first Test of the series.