Pakistan recovers after early struggles on day one of Test against Bangladesh
Pakistan Shan Masood (L) and Saim Ayub (C) look on as they wait for the third umpire decision during the first day of the first Test cricket match between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on August 21, 2024. PHOTO: AFP
The opening day of the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh saw both teams battle under challenging conditions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
After a delayed start due to a wet outfield, Bangladesh chose to field first, a decision that quickly paid off as Pakistan found themselves in early trouble.
Bangladesh's pace duo, Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud, exploited the greenish pitch expertly, reducing Pakistan to a precarious 16/3 within the first eight overs. Abdullah Shafique was the first to fall, caught at gully off Hasan Mahmud for just 2.
Skipper Shan Masood followed soon after, edging a sharp delivery from Shoriful to the wicketkeeper, Litton Das, for 6. In the very next over, Shoriful struck again, removing Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam for a duck, caught down the leg side.
With Pakistan reeling, it was the young pair of Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel who steadied the ship. Saim, playing with maturity beyond his years, scored a patient 56 off 98 balls, while Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten on 57. The duo put together a crucial 98-run partnership, pushing Pakistan past the 100-run mark and alleviating the early damage.
By the time the umpires called stumps, Pakistan had reached 158/4, with Mohammad Rizwan contributing an unbeaten 24 alongside Saud Shakeel. Bangladesh's bowlers, particularly Shoriful Islam (2/30) and Hasan Mahmud (2/33), kept a tight grip on the proceedings, but Pakistan's resilience ensured they ended the day on a slightly stronger note.
With the pitch offering assistance to the bowlers and the weather forecast predicting more interruptions, both teams will be eager to make the most of any opportunity on Day 2. Pakistan will aim to build on their recovery, while Bangladesh will look to wrap up the innings swiftly to keep the pressure on.
Scores at the end of Day 1: Pakistan 158/4 (41 overs)
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Saud Shakeel 57* (92), Saim Ayub 56 (98)
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Shoriful Islam 2/30 (12 overs), Hasan Mahmud 2/33 (13 overs)
Pakistan Playing XI: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood(c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali
Bangladesh Playing XI: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das (wk), Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana