NEW DELHI: Veteran keeper-bater
Mushfiqur Rahim
fell just short of a well-deserved double hundred as Bangladesh posted 565 all out in their first innings, responding to Pakistan's 448-6 declared on day four of the opening test in Rawalpindi.
Mushfiqur (171) combined with
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
, who scored 77, for a crucial 196-run partnership for the seventh wicket, led Bangladesh to their highest total against Pakistan at the batsman-friendly Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Bangladesh's innings saw five players score 50 or more, contributing to a total of over 1,000 runs scored in the match so far, while only 17 wickets have fallen.
Pakistan ended the day at 23 for 1, trailing by 94 runs after opener
Saim Ayub
was dismissed cheaply.
Abdullah Shafique was batting on 12, with captain Shan Masood at nine runs at the other end.
"We did not expect the wicket to be so slow," Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahmood told the broadcasters.
"It was a hot day but still credit to our bowlers who ran in hard and gave their best."
The pitch in Rawalpindi proved to be unresponsive, neutralizing Pakistan's typically potent new ball attack featuring Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah.
Resuming at 316 for 5, Bangladesh's innings saw Naseem Shah (3-93) removing Litton Das for 56 runs, but Mushfiqur and Miraz held firm to ease any potential collapse.
Mushfiqur, demonstrating remarkable concentration, celebrated his 11th test century. However, Mohammad Ali ended Mushfiqur's sparkling innings, which included 22 fours and one six, by having him caught behind for 191. Miraz continued to press Bangladesh's advantage with six fours before Afridi dismissed him.
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