RAWALPINDI: Pakistan staged a recovery after early setbacks on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. The hosts ended the day at 158 for 4, with vice-captain Saud Shakeel unbeaten on 57 off 92 balls, while wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan contributed 24 off 31 balls not out.
The day began with a delay due to a wet outfield caused by rain, which pushed back the start of play. Once the match got underway, Pakistan, put into bat first, found themselves in early trouble against a disciplined Bangladeshi pace attack.
Pakistan’s top order struggled as Abdullah Shafique was dismissed for just 2 runs, followed by skipper Shan Masood, who was out for 6. The situation worsened when Babar Azam was dismissed without scoring, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position at 16 for 3 within the first 10 overs.
However, a crucial partnership between Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel helped stabilize the innings. The pair put together a significant 98-run stand that pulled Pakistan back into the contest. Saim Ayub, in only his third Test innings, scored his maiden Test fifty, making 56 off 98 balls, including four boundaries and a six.
Saud Shakeel, showing resilience and composure, remained unbeaten at the close of play with Rizwan at the other end, as the duo navigated the remainder of the innings. Their efforts ensured that Pakistan finished the day in a more promising position, despite the early batting difficulties.
For Bangladesh, pacers Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud were the standout bowlers, each claiming two wickets. Their disciplined bowling, combined with effective field placements, had put Pakistan on the back foot early in the day.
Pakistani captain Shan Masood opted for an all-pace attack, including Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, and Mohammad Ali, in the hope of exploiting the conditions and applying pressure on the Bangladeshi batsmen.
Pakistan Playing XI
Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad
Bangladesh Playing XI
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
The Test matches are part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, with both teams keen to improve their standings on the WTC points table. Historically, Pakistan has dominated the Test series between the two nations, winning 12 out of the 13 matches played across six series, with one match ending in a draw.
