Rizwan, Shakeel slam tons at Pindi

Pakistan post an imposing 448-6, Bangladesh 27-0 at stumps in first Test

RAWALPINDI:

Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel knocked brilliant centuries to guide Pakistan to an imposing 448-6 declared before Bangladesh closed the second day on 27-0 in Rawalpindi on Thursday.

Rizwan's unbeaten 171 was his Test best and third century in the format while Shakeel's 141 was equally polished as the duo lifted Pakistan from a precarious 16-3 on Wednesday.

Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam was 12 and Zakir Hasan on 11, negotiating 12 overs of pace without any problem as the Rawalpindi stadium pitch has not assisted bowlers as predicted.

Bangladesh had pushed Pakistan on the backfoot on day one but it was Shakeel who repaired the innings with Saim Ayub (56) through a 98-run fourth wicket stand before another 240 runs were added for the next with Rizwan as Pakistan blunted Bangladesh's attack.

Rizwan, who hit three sixes and 11 boundaries in a 239-ball knock, added a quick 44 with Shaheen Shah Afridi who smacked two sixes and a boundary in a blistering 29 not out.

That allowed Pakistan to declare their first innings 78-minutes after tea.

Bangladesh failed to get a wicket in the first session as Rizwan and Shakeel batted superbly to help Pakistan reach 256-4 at lunch.

Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz ended Bangladesh's frustrating wait for the wicket, luring Shakeel out of the crease as wicketkeeper Litton Das removed the bails, ending a brilliant 261-ball knock.

Shakeel also scored his third Test century and hit nine boundaries.

Shakeel also survived a freakish run out attempt on 138 when he stepped out of his crease while leaving paceman Hasan Mahmud's delivery, but made it back as Das hit the stumps.

Agha Salman made 19

Pacers Hasan Mahmud (2-70) and Shoriful Islam (2-77) were the pick of Bangladesh bowlers, while Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan grabbed a wicket each.

Resuming at 158-4, Shakeel and Rizwan added 98 runs in an extended two-hour and 15-minute morning session after play on the first day was delayed by a wet outfield.

Looking for early wickets, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto used all his bowlers but none could replicate the success achieved on day one.

Rizwan joins elite group

Pakistan batter, Mohammad Rizwan, continued his stellar form in Test cricket by scoring a magnificent 150 against Bangladesh, becoming the fifth Pakistani wicketkeeper to reach this milestone in Test matches.

With his impressive knock of 153 off 219 balls, Rizwan has joined an elite group of Pakistani wicketkeepers who have scored 150 or more in Test cricket. He now stands alongside legends like Imtiaz Ahmed, Taslim Arif, Rashid Latif, and Kamran Akmal.

Furthermore, Rizwan is also the first Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman since 2009 to score 150 runs in a Test match.

Warwickshire to handle Hasan Ali's elbow injury treatment

Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali has confirmed that Warwickshire County Cricket Club will manage the treatment for his elbow injury.

Hasan, who was playing for Warwickshire during this year's County Cricket season, suffered a serious elbow injury in July. The 30-year-old bowler's injury has affected his ability to perform consistently, leading him to return home early without completing the season's matches.

Hasan reached out to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for help, but the board directed him to Warwickshire, as the injury occurred while he was playing for the club. The PCB clarified that since Hasan was fit when he joined the county team, it is Warwickshire's responsibility to cover his treatment costs and ensure his recovery.

According to PCB sources, the board stated, "the responsibility for treatment lies with Warwickshire since Hasan Ali was injured during county cricket.

Hasan Ali had joined county cricket fully fit and healthy from the national team, so now it is the county's responsibility to ensure his full recovery."

Hasan will travel to England for his treatment, which will be managed by Warwickshire.

The county club will oversee all aspects of his recovery and ensure he returns to Pakistan once he is fully healed.