Mushfiqur Rahim Anchors Bangladesh’s 380/7 vs Pakistan – Abbas Takes Four

Bangladesh: 380 for 7 (Shanto 101, Mominul 91, Mushfiqur 71*, Abbas 4-73) vs Pakistan

Mushfiqur Holds Firm as Bangladesh Push Past 380

If Pakistan entered the morning session hoping to dismantle Bangladesh early with the new ball, those hopes were quickly extinguished by Mushfiqur Rahim’s resilience. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter, the oldest player on either side, anchored a stubborn and effective batting effort that helped the hosts reach 380 for 7 – their highest first-innings Test total against Pakistan on home soil.

Bangladesh added 79 runs in the morning, navigating the challenging conditions with discipline. While the rest of the batting lineup struggled to stay long, Mushfiqur remained undeterred, playing a calm and composed innings that ensured Bangladesh stayed in control. Mohammad Abbas was the lone spark for Pakistan, finishing with 4 for 73 and claiming three key wickets during the session.

Dominant Start to the Day

Bangladesh had already begun with confidence on the previous day, picking boundaries off Shaheen Afridi. On the resumption, Litton Das took it up a notch, smashing the first three deliveries he faced from Shaheen to the boundary. It was a bold statement of intent, reinforcing Bangladesh’s dominance and setting the tone for the morning.

After the aggressive start, the approach shifted. Das and Mushfiqur prioritized stability, carefully neutralizing the new ball threat and avoiding the kind of early collapses that plagued them earlier. Their cautious accumulation paid off as they brought up a 50-run partnership — fittingly sealed with another boundary off Shaheen, marking the third consecutive half-century stand by Bangladesh in the innings.

Abbas Breaks Through

Just when it seemed Bangladesh were cruising, Mohammad Abbas struck with a clever delivery that changed the momentum. From a batter known more for his seam movement than pace, Abbas unleashed a bouncer that reared up on Litton Das. Attempting to pull, Das mistimed his shot and found substitute fielder Amad Butt at mid-on, who took a sharp catch to give Pakistan their first breakthrough.

Abbas wasn’t done. Soon after, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, emboldened by a six off the previous delivery, tried to dominate Abbas with an aggressive shot through point. But the execution fell short, and Imam ul Haq at backward point held on comfortably.

Taijul’s Cameo and Another Abbas Masterstroke

With Mushfiqur holding one end, the lower order attempted to accelerate. Taijul Islam launched a brief but lively assault on Hasan Ali, boosting the scoring rate. However, once again, it was Abbas who delivered the critical blow. Another well-directed bouncer, not flashy but effective, caught Taijul in two minds. He failed to clear the infield, and Mohammad Rizwan took a simple catch behind square, giving Abbas his fourth wicket.

Bangladesh’s Patient Strategy Paying Off

Despite the late wickets, Bangladesh will be satisfied with their progress. The foundation laid by Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 101 and Mominul Haque’s 91 — supported by Mushfiqur’s unbeaten 71* — has put them in a strong position. Their patient approach has worn down Pakistan’s attack under sweltering conditions, and with a wicket still in hand, they remain in a position to push beyond 400.

For Pakistan, Abbas has been a lone warrior. His ability to find breakthroughs on unresponsive pitches and with an old ball underscores his value. But outside of his spell, the bowling lacked bite and penetration.

As the match moves forward, Mushfiqur’s presence at the crease gives Bangladesh confidence. They’re not just surviving — they’re making Pakistan work for every wicket. And that, more than any individual score, might be the defining theme of this innings.