Mushfiqur Rahim surpasses Tamim Iqbal with 11th Test century: Details
Bangladesh's veteran keeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has added another feather to his already illustrious hat. He scored his 11th Test century on Day 4 of the ongoing first Test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Rahim now has the second-most Test centuries for Bangladesh as he broke the tie with Tamim Iqbal. Here are further details.
Rahim's century: A strategic response to Salman's attack
Rahim's century came as a response to Pakistan skipper Shan Masood's decision to bring off-spinner Agha Salman into the attack. On the third delivery of the over, Salman bowled a good-length ball around the middle stump. Rahim skillfully guided it off his back foot toward the square leg region, scoring two runs before the fielder could intercept. This strategic move resulted in Rahim completing his hard-fought century.
Rahim surpasses Iqbal's record with his 11th Test ton
With this century, Rahim has now surpassed Tamim Iqbal's record of 10 hundreds in Test cricket. He is currently second only to Mominul Haque (12) in terms of the most Test centuries for Bangladesh. The match saw strong performances from Shadman Islam, Litton Das, and Mominul as well, as they responded robustly to Pakistan's first innings total of 448/6 (declared). At lunch break on day four, Bangladesh were comfortably positioned at 389 for six.
Bangladesh's strong response to Pakistan's first innings
The series opener remained evenly poised as Bangladesh ended the third day at 316 for five, trailing by 132 runs. They were responding to Pakistan's imposing first-innings total. Despite initial struggles against Pakistan's disciplined fast bowling, particularly from young pacer Naseem Shah, openers Shadman Islam (93) and former skipper Mominul Haque (50) steadied the innings with a crucial 94-run partnership.
Rahim and Das's partnership brings Bangladesh back into contention
Experienced player Shakib Al Hasan contributed a quick 15 before being dismissed by Saim Ayub, caught by Pakistan captain Shan Masood at extra cover. However, Mushfiqur and Litton Das (56) combined for an 114-run stand for the sixth wicket. Their partnership not only frustrated the Pakistan bowlers but also brought Bangladesh back into contention, reducing the deficit to 132 runs by the end of day three.
Bangladesh's highest run-getter in Tests
With this century, Mushfiqur has raced past 5,770 runs from 89 Tests at an average of 38-plus. He has 27 fifties besides 11 tons. Tamim (5,134) is the only other Bangladesh batter with over 5,000 Test runs. This was his maiden Test hundred against Pakistan as he has raced past 450 runs across seven games against them at 35-plus (50s: 1).
