Published on 01:37 PM, May 24, 2022

A Test of numerous records

Mushfiqur Rahim plays a shot. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Bangladesh's first innings score of 365 against Sri Lanka in the second Test in Mirpur is the highest score ever achieved by a team in Tests after six of their batters departed for ducks. 

Openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain, Khaled Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain were the ones who departed without adding to their scores. But despite that, Mushfiqur Rahim's unbeaten 355-ball 175 and Liton Das' career-best 141 helped Bangladesh to a commendable total. 

Previously, India's score of 152 against England was the highest total by any side in Tests after losing six of their batters for ducks.

This ongoing Test is also unique in the sense that in 145 years of the history of Test cricket, it is the first time that an innings has seen six ducks and two centuries. It is also the first time that Sri Lanka dismissed six batters for ducks in an innings of a Test.   

Also, Bangladesh are the only Test side in the world to have six batters out for ducks in an innings twice. The first time this happened was back in 2002 in a Test against West Indies.

Getting back to what transpired on the second day of the Mirpur Test today, Mushfiqur, despite losing his overnight batting partner Liton early on the day, fought on as he stitched stands of 49 and 16 runs with tailenders Taijul Islam and Ebadot Hossain. 

But the experienced batter could not get his fourth double ton as Ebadot was made run-out with the duo trying to force a double in an attempt to get Mushfiqur most of the strike near the end of innings' play. 

Mushfiqur laced his knock with 21 boundaries and also stitched a record 272-run sixth-wicket stand with Liton to rescue Bangladesh from a spot of bother. 

Bangladesh also added 341 runs after losing the fifth wicket -- their second-highest tally in Tests after losing half of their batting order in an innings.