Bangladesh found itself in deep trouble during the second Test match against Pakistan, as their top six batsmen were dismissed for just 26 runs in their first innings.
The match, held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, saw Pakistan take control on the third day as their bowlers made a stunning comeback. Khurram Shahzad was the star of the show, taking four wickets, while Mir Hamza supported him well by claiming two wickets.
Bangladesh, replying to Pakistan's first-innings score of 274, now trails by 248 runs with only four wickets remaining.
Day Three: Pakistan Dominates with Aggressive Bowling
After a challenging start to the Test, the Pakistani bowlers took charge on the third day. Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza exhibited aggressive bowling, dismantling Bangladesh’s top order in no time.
The top five Bangladeshi batsmen were sent back to the pavilion with just 26 runs on the scoreboard. Shadman Islam managed to score 10 runs, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto added 4.
The experienced Mushfiqur Rahim could only muster 3 runs, with Shakib Al Hasan scoring 2, and both Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque contributing just 1 run each before getting out.
Pakistan’s First Innings: A Solid Start but a Middle-Order Collapse
Pakistan's first innings saw an early setback with Abdullah Shafique getting out for a duck. However, captain Shan Masood and young opener Saim Ayub steadied the ship with a partnership of 107 runs. Shan scored 57 runs, while Saim added 58 before both were dismissed.
Middle-order batsmen Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam scored 16 and 31 runs, respectively. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan contributed 29, while Agha Salman top-scored with 54 runs. Khurram Shahzad, who shone with the ball, also added 12 runs.
The innings eventually ended at 274, with Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking 5 wickets, Taskin Ahmed claiming 3, and Shakib Al Hasan and Nahid Rana picking up one wicket each.
Day Two Recap: Pakistan Builds a Strong Foundation
On the second day, after losing Abdullah Shafique for a duck, Shan Masood and Saim Ayub built a solid foundation for Pakistan. Their 107-run partnership set the tone for the innings.
Unfortunately, Pakistan’s middle-order could not capitalize on the strong start, with Saud Shakeel, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan failing to make big contributions. Despite this, Agha Salman’s 54 provided some stability to the innings.
Day One: Weather Delays Play
The first day of the Test was marred by continuous rain and a wet outfield, leading to the day’s play being abandoned without a single ball bowled. The toss was also delayed due to the poor weather conditions.
Teams and Squad Details
Pakistan’s Playing XI:
- Captain: Shan Masood
- Vice-Captain: Saud Shakeel
- Saim Ayub
- Abdullah Shafique
- Wicketkeeper: Mohammad Rizwan
- Babar Azam
- Salman Ali Agha
- Naseem Shah (Rested)
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mohammad Ali
- Abrar Ahmed
- Mir Hamza
Bangladesh’s Playing XI:
- Captain: Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Shadman Islam
- Zakir Hasan
- Mominul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Liton Das
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Taskin Ahmed
- Hasan Mahmud
- Nahid Rana
Conclusion
Pakistan's bowlers have put the team in a commanding position, but Bangladesh still has a chance to fight back if their remaining batsmen can put up a resilient performance. The match is poised to be an exciting contest as both teams vie for supremacy in the Test series.