First Test
On Sunday, Bangladesh made a significant impact on the final day of the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, as their bowlers delivered a series of early breakthroughs that put Pakistan’s batting lineup in disarray.
The Pakistani team struggled to maintain their footing as they lost multiple wickets in quick succession, putting them on the back foot in their bid to chase down Bangladesh’s total.
Starting the day at 23-1, Pakistan’s innings quickly unraveled under the pressure from the Bangladeshi bowlers. Key batsmen such as Shan Masood (14), Babar Azam (22), Saud Shakeel (0), Abdullah Shafique (37), and Salman Ali Agha (0) all fell rapidly.
By the time the score reached 108-6, Pakistan was trailing Bangladesh by 9 runs, with Mohammad Rizwan (22) and Shaheen Afridi (0) left to salvage the innings.
Bangladesh’s bowlers were instrumental in this collapse, with Shakib Al Hasan taking two wickets, Mehidy Hasan Miraz securing his first wicket of the day, and Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana each claiming one wicket.
Their performance on the fifth day was a continuation of their dominance, which began on the fourth day when Bangladesh took a commanding lead.
On Saturday, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh had established a significant advantage, scoring 565 runs in reply to Pakistan’s 448/6.
Veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim was the standout performer, scoring a stellar 191 off 341 balls.
The day commenced with Bangladesh at 316-5, with Mushfiqur and Liton Das (52 off 58) at the crease. Shortly after play resumed, Pakistan’s Naseem Shah removed Das, with Rizwan taking the catch.
Despite the dismissal of Das, Rahim continued his impressive form and looked set for a double century before falling short by just nine runs, dismissed by Mohammad Ali.
Rahim’s innings, combined with a valuable partnership with Miraz, placed Pakistan under immense pressure. Following Rahim’s departure, Pakistan managed to dismiss the remaining Bangladeshi batsmen.
Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah took the last few wickets, including Hasan Mahmud, Miraz, and Shoriful Islam, who had contributed a quick 22 runs.
The ongoing Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, with both teams keen on improving their standings in the WTC points table.
Historically, Pakistan and Bangladesh have faced each other in 13 Test matches across six series, with Pakistan winning 12 and one match ending in a draw.
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