Two Bangladesh batters – Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim – are on the verge of reaching the five thousand-run landmark in Test cricket as the Tigers approach the third day of the Chattogram Test against Sri Lanka today.

No player from Bangladesh has managed to pull off this feat yet and Shakib Al Hasan remains the only other player to have scored beyond four thousand runs in Tests for the Tigers.

Tamim and his opening partner, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, had safely negotiated 19 overs yesterday to pile up 76 runs on board after Sri Lanka were all out for 397. Tamim, who resumed the day's play unbeaten on 35, has moved to 89 off 145 deliveries and is fast approaching his 10th Test ton.

Tamim Iqbal in action on day two of the Chattogram Test yesterday. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Even though Mushfiqur is still arguably the frontrunner to win the race with the experienced batter being 68 runs short of 5,000 career runs, an equally experienced Tamim with 4883 runs in Test cricket after yesterday's close of play, cannot still be counted out that easily, given the opener's blazing form displayed in the domestic circuit of late.

Tamim, who is now batting on 89, happens to be 63 runs away from the landmark and if the flamboyant opener continues to score at the brisk pace as he did yesterday, he might as well score the aforementioned runs before Mushfiqur even gets a chance to apply his willow into effect.

Irrespective of whoever gets to the prestigious mark first, it will be a great occasion for Bangladesh cricket nonetheless.