Captain Shaan Masood out after half-century as Pakistan make steady start against Bangladesh
photo: PCB
Captain Shaan Masood scored a quick half-century, providing Pakistan with a stable start against Bangladesh in the final Test match of the two-match series. Pakistan scored 107 runs for the loss of two wicket.
Pakistan scores 107 runs for the loss of one wicket adfter 27 over were bowled. Opener Abdullah Shafique was bowled out by Taskin Ahmed for a duck earlier.
Captain Shaan Masood was caught behind of Hasan Miraz's delivery after scoring 57 of 69 deliveries.
Babar Azam was at the crease with opener Saim Ayub who has scored 47 runs.
In the match being played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto earlier won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to dismiss Pakistan quickly and gain an early advantage.
Bangladesh, having secured a historic 10-wicket victory in the first Test, leads the series 1-0.
On this occasion, Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood expressed eagerness for victory. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have been rested, with Abrar Ahmed and Mir Hamza included in the playing eleven.
Day One:
The first day’s play was called off due to continuous rain and a wet outfield, preventing the toss and any cricket action.
Pakistan Squad:
Captain Shan Masood, Vice-Captain Saud Shakeel, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed, and Mir Hamza.
Bangladesh Squad:
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Naeem Hasan.
Bangladesh made history by defeating Pakistan by 10 wickets in the Rawalpindi Test, with Pakistan being bowled out for just 146 runs in their second innings on the final day.
Pakistan played four pacers in the first Test - Shaheen, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali and Naseem Shah - as the Shan Masood-led unit wanted to go with a pace attack, but things did not go their way as they were dominated by the Bangladesh batting lineup.
It is believed inside the dressing room that the pacers could not take advantage of the grass on the pitch and their declining pace also became a matter of discussion.
The latest defeat to Bangladesh adds to this string of failures, leaving fans and former players deeply concerned about the future of Pakistan cricket.
Pakistan’s last victory in a home Test was in February 2021 against South Africa. Since then, they have endured a series of disappointing results, including a series loss to Australia, a whitewash at the hands of England, and a drawn series against New Zealand.