Bangladesh veteran Mushfiqur Rahim has written another glorious chapter in his international career. Playing against Pakistan in the World Test Championship (WTC) series, the experienced batter struck a magnificent century. This historic knock took place during the second Test match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. By reaching this milestone, Rahim broke a major national record and put his team in a winning position. Consequently, this performance has dominated global cricket discussions.
The Match Context in Sylhet
The second Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan, held in May 2026, carried immense significance for both teams. Bangladesh entered the match with a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after a comprehensive victory in Mirpur. In Sylhet, Bangladesh batted first and posted 278 runs, while Pakistan responded with 232.
When Bangladesh began their second innings, the team faced early pressure from Pakistan’s seam attack. The hosts slipped to a precarious position during the morning session of Day 3. However, Mushfiqur Rahim walked out to the crease with a clear defensive plan. He anchored the innings, steering the team away from danger and building a massive lead.
The Historic Knock and Record
Mushfiqur Rahim played a patient and masterly innings of 137 runs off 233 deliveries. His knock included 12 boundaries and a towering six. This innings was not just a match-saving effort; it was a record-breaking achievement.
This century was Rahim’s 14th in Test cricket. Consequently, he has surpassed his teammate Mominul Haque, who previously held the record with 13 Test centuries. Rahim is now officially Bangladesh’s leading century-maker in Test history. Additionally, at 39 years of age, he became the oldest player to score a century in the current World Test Championship cycle. His innings ended when he fell to spinner Sajid Khan, but his efforts had already propelled Bangladesh to a second-innings total of 390.
How the Innings Changed the Match
When Rahim came to bat, Pakistan’s bowlers were finding early swing. He immediately focused on absorbing the pressure and frustrating the opposition.
His partnership with Litton Das was the definitive turning point of the day. The duo added a crucial 115-run stand for the fifth wicket, denying Pakistan any middle-order breakthroughs. Litton played a fluent knock of 69, while Rahim anchored the other end. Furthermore, Rahim built a valuable 77-run partnership with Taijul Islam in the final session. These partnerships shifted the momentum entirely back to the hosts, eventually setting Pakistan a daunting target of 437 runs to win.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s Test Career Legacy
Mushfiqur Rahim has been the backbone of Bangladesh Test cricket since his debut in 2005. He holds the record for the most career runs and the highest batting average for his country in the longest format.
His legacy includes three Test double-centuries, a unique feat in Bangladesh’s cricket history. Rahim’s late-career resurgence is highly impressive. Since 2022, he has scored eight of his 14 centuries, showing that his hunger for runs remains undiminished. His experience in handling high-pressure situations makes him an invaluable leader in the dressing room.
Impact on the World Test Championship
This match has major implications for the World Test Championship standings. Bangladesh entered the series in the eighth position on the WTC table. A series-sweeping victory against Pakistan will provide them with critical points, potentially lifting them higher in the rankings.
This performance boosts the team’s confidence ahead of their upcoming away tours. Winning a Test series against a traditional powerhouse like Pakistan proves that Bangladesh is developing into a formidable red-ball side.
Conclusion
Mushfiqur Rahim’s record-breaking century is a testament to his longevity and technical class. By becoming Bangladesh’s top centurion, he has set a benchmark that will be difficult for future generations to surpass. As Bangladesh looks to seal a historic series win, Rahim’s Sylhet masterclass will be remembered as the defining performance of the tournament.
References & Credits
- International Cricket Council (ICC): Official Player Records and WTC Points Table.
- Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB): Match Scorecards and Player Performance Updates.
- ESPNcricinfo: Ball-by-Ball Commentary and Test Match Archives.
- Cricbuzz: Live Updates and Expert Analysis of the Bangladesh vs Pakistan Series.
- Geo Super: Coverage of Mushfiqur Rahim’s 14th Test Century.
