Can Mushfiqur reach 7,000 Test runs in Abu Dhabi?

With only 124 runs standing between Mushfiqur Rahim and 7,000 Test runs, the veteran Bangladesh batter has another landmark within touching distance when the one-off Test against Afghanistan begins in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

The former captain has already made history as Bangladesh’s first batter to reach 6,000 Test runs and has also completed 100 Tests. After retiring from T20Is and ODIs, the 37-year-old is now focused solely on Test cricket, with the 7,000-run milestone his next target.

However, the wait has stretched longer than expected.

Mushfiqur has struggled to produce his best in his last three Tests. He made 9 and 34 against Zimbabwe in Harare, followed by scores of 36 in Darwin and 5 and an unbeaten 29 in the second Test against Australia in Mackay.

He will need 124 runs in Abu Dhabi to join the 7,000-run club. For a batter with 14 Test centuries to his name, the target is certainly within reach. Yet his record against Afghanistan offers little comfort.

The 39-year-old has played only two Tests against Afghanistan, scoring 78 runs at an average of 19.50. That is unlikely to be the statistic he wants to carry into Friday’s Test.

There is, however, reason for optimism. Mushfiqur has enjoyed a productive year in Test cricket, scoring 366 runs in five matches at an average of 45.75, including one century and one half-century.

Bangladesh will hope the experienced campaigner can rediscover that form in Abu Dhabi.

The equation is simple: 124 runs to go, and another major landmark awaits.

Will the right-hander veteran make it 7,000 in Abu Dhabi?