Mushfiqur Rahim's Heroic 191 Bolsters Bangladesh in First Test Against Pakistan

Former Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim scored an outstanding 191 runs in the first Test against Pakistan, forming a record partnership with Mehidy Hasan. His efforts helped Bangladesh reach 565, their third-highest total in an away Test, as Pakistan struggled with their fast-bowling strategy on a green pitch.

Former Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim showcased resilience by scoring a spectacular 191 runs, forging a record-breaking partnership with Mehidy Hasan in the first Test against Pakistan on Saturday. This was Mushfiqur's 11th Test century and his first against Pakistan, achieved over more than eight and a half hours at the crease.

His performance propelled Bangladesh to an imposing 565 all out on the fourth day. This score marked Bangladesh's third-highest total in an away Test match. Pakistan's decision to field four fast bowlers on a greenish pitch backfired as the wicket softened significantly for batting.

Responding to Bangladesh's total, Pakistan, which had declared its first innings at 448-6, found themselves at 23-1 at stumps, trailing by 94 runs. Opener Saim Ayub fell early, while Abdullah Shafique remained not out on 12, alongside captain Shan Masood, who was unbeaten on 9.

Mushfiqur's epic 341-ball innings included 22 fours and a six and ended in the final session when he edged a square cut off a good-length delivery from Khurram Shahzad, getting caught behind. His efforts, combined with Mehidy Hasan's gritty 77, forced Pakistan's bowlers to toil under challenging hot and humid conditions.

The duo's 196-run partnership is now the highest seventh-wicket stand in Test matches against Pakistan, surpassing the previous record of 186 runs set by New Zealand's Richard Hadlee and Warren Lees in Karachi in 1976. Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam scored 93 off 183 deliveries, Mominul Haque made 50 off 76 balls, and Litton Das added 56 off 78 balls.

Naseem Shah emerged as the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, taking 3-93, while Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed two late wickets, finishing with figures of 2-88. The other two seamers, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali, contributed with two wickets each.

Brief Score: Pakistan 448/6 d & 23/1 (Abdullah Shafique 12*, Shan Masood 9*, Shoriful Islam 1/13) vs Bangladesh 565 all out (Mushfiqur Rahim 191, Shadman Islam 93, Naseem Shah 3/93) (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)