Sylhet: Bangladesh strengthened their position in the second Test against Pakistan, reaching 203-4 at lunch on day three and extending their overall lead to 249 runs at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Resuming the day at 110-3 in 26.4 overs, Bangladesh lost only one wicket in the morning session but continued to build a commanding position, reaching 203-4 in 53 overs.
Pakistan made an early breakthrough when pacer Khurram Shahzad trapped captain Najmul Hossain Shanto lbw for 15 off 46 deliveries, claiming his third wicket of the innings.
Following the dismissal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das stabilised the innings with a crucial 50-run partnership, guiding Bangladesh past the 150-run mark and consolidating their advantage.
Litton Das remained unbeaten on 48 off 66 balls at lunch, while Mushfiqur Rahim was not out on 39, as the pair continued to frustrate the Pakistan bowling attack.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had started the innings poorly on day two after losing Tanzid Hasan on the third delivery of the fourth over. However, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul Haque rebuilt with a 76-run stand, helping Bangladesh cross the 100-run mark and extend their lead beyond 150 runs.
Mahmudul Hasan scored a fluent 52 off 64 balls before being dismissed by Mohammad Abbas, while Mominul Haque added 30 off 60 deliveries before falling to Khurram Shahzad, who claimed his second wicket.
Pakistan were earlier bowled out for 232 in 57.4 overs, giving Bangladesh a first-innings lead of 46 runs. Babar Azam top-scored with 68 off 84 balls, while Sajid Khan contributed a quick 38 off 28 deliveries. Skipper Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha scored 21 runs each, while Azan Awais and Mohammad Rizwan made 13 apiece.
For Bangladesh, Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam picked up three wickets each, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed two wickets apiece.
In Bangladesh’s first innings, Litton Das anchored the innings with a brilliant 126 off 159 deliveries after the team had slipped to 116-6. He received support from Taijul Islam (16) and Shoriful Islam (12 not out), helping Bangladesh reach 278.
For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad took 4 for 81, Mohammad Abbas claimed three wickets, Hasan Ali took two, and Sajid Khan added one.
With a substantial lead and two days remaining, Bangladesh remain in control of the contest heading into the final stages of the Test.