Pakistan kept their hopes alive in the second Test against Bangladesh after reaching 316 for seven at stumps on the fourth day in Sylhet on Tuesday, still needing 121 runs for victory.
Chasing a daunting target of 437, Pakistan produced their best batting performance of the match through fighting half-centuries from captain Shan Masood, Salman Agha and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan after Bangladesh threatened to wrap up the Test earlier in the day.
Pakistan resumed on 0 without loss and made a cautious start before Bangladesh struck twice in the opening session.
Fast bowler Nahid Rana removed Abdullah Fazal for six before Mehidy Hasan Miraz trapped Azan Awais lbw to leave the tourists struggling at 41 for two.
Masood and Babar Azam then steadied the innings with a valuable partnership as Pakistan attempted to rebuild on a deteriorating Sylhet surface.
Babar looked fluent during his 47 before falling to spinner Taijul Islam, who produced another decisive spell for Bangladesh.
Taijul struck again soon after to dismiss Masood for 71, leaving Pakistan under renewed pressure at 162 for five. Saud Shakeel also failed to make an impact, falling for six to Nahid Rana.
Just as Bangladesh appeared to be moving towards victory, Salman Agha and Rizwan launched a determined counterattack to frustrate the hosts during the final two sessions.
The pair added a crucial partnership, mixing caution with aggression while steadily reducing the target against Bangladesh's spin-heavy attack.
Salman made a composed 71 from 102 deliveries before Taijul broke the stand late in the evening session. The left-arm spinner then removed Hasan Ali for a duck to complete his fourth wicket of the innings.
Rizwan, however, remained unbeaten on 75 at stumps alongside Sajid Khan, who was not out on eight.
Taijul finished the day with four wickets while Nahid Rana claimed two as Bangladesh continued to push for victory.
Despite Pakistan's resistance, Bangladesh still hold the advantage heading into the final day with only three wickets remaining and the pitch increasingly assisting the spinners.
Bangladesh are seeking a clean sweep after winning the opening Test in Dhaka.
