Third day of second test: Pakistan leads by 21 runs against Bangladesh

RAWALPINDI: The third day’s play in the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh concluded with Pakistan holding a lead of 21 runs. At stumps, Pakistan had lost two wickets for just nine runs in their second innings, with Abdullah Shafiq scoring 3 and Khurram Shehzad dismissed for a duck.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh were bowled out for 262 in their first innings, chasing Pakistan’s 274. Khurram Shehzad was the standout performer for Pakistan, claiming six wickets, while Mir Hamza and Salman Ali Agha took two wickets each.

Pakistani bowlers made a brilliant comeback on the third day. Khurram Shehzad and Mir Hamza delivered an aggressive bowling display, reducing Bangladesh to 26 for 6 early in their innings. For Bangladesh, Shadman Islam scored 10, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto managed 4, Mushfiqur Rahim 3, Shakib Al Hasan 2, while Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque were dismissed for one run each.

However, Liton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz staged a remarkable fightback for Bangladesh with a 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Liton scored 138 runs before getting out, and Mehidy contributed 78. Taskin Ahmed scored 1, and Nayeem Hasan was dismissed for zero.

Also read: Bangladesh Vs. Pakistan Test match update: trail by 81 runs

In Pakistan’s first innings, the national team lost Abdullah Shafiq for zero, but captain Shan Masood (57) and Saeem Ayub (58) formed a crucial 107-run partnership. Middle-order contributions came from Saud Shakeel (16), Babar Azam (31), wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan (29), and Agha Salman (54). Khurram Shehzad added 12, Mohammad Ali 2, and Abrar Ahmed 9.

For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz took five wickets, Taskin Ahmed grabbed three, and Shakib Al Hasan and Nayeem Hasan took one each.

The match started with Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto winning the toss and opting to field first. Pakistan captain Shan Masood expressed eagerness to win the match and noted the inclusion of Abrar Ahmed and Mir Hamza in the playing eleven, resting Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah.

Pakistan Squad

Shan Masood (Captain), Saud Shakeel (Vice-Captain), Saeem Ayub, Abdullah Shafiq, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Mir Hamza.

Bangladesh Squad

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nayeem Hasan.

The first day’s play between the two teams was abandoned due to continuous rain and a wet outfield, with the toss not being possible due to bad weather.