Pakistan rebound with key partnership after Bangladesh’s early lead

RAWALPINDI: The opening day of the first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi concluded with Pakistan at 158 for 4, following a rain delay.

Saud Shakeel was unbeaten on 57, while Saim Ayub scored 56.

Despite the interruption, Bangladesh exploited the favourable conditions to take early wickets. After winning the toss, Bangladesh’s bowlers, Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud, made quick work of Pakistan’s top order.

Shoriful claimed 2 for 30, and Mahmud took 2 for 33.

Pakistan’s innings faltered early at 16 for 3, but a stand of 98 runs between Ayub and Shakeel steadied the ship.

Ayub, playing only his second Test, scored his first fifty, while Shakeel achieved his 1,000 Test runs in just 20 innings, matching a record set by Saeed Ahmed in 1959.

Both batsmen tackled the Bangladeshi bowlers aggressively, stepping out frequently to disrupt the bowlers’ rhythm and reduce seam movement.

Bangladesh eventually broke the partnership when Hasan Mahmud took out Ayub, who was caught attempting a drive at a delivery that was not fully pitched.

As the day progressed, Pakistan’s middle-order, including Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, added 44 runs without further loss before the close of play.

Bangladesh’s spin attack, consisting of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan, struggled to contain the aggressive batting of Ayub and Shakeel.

Miraz was particularly generous, conceding 24 runs in four overs, while Shakib happily handed 36 runs in six overs.

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Bangladesh’s early success came from disciplined seam bowling. Mahmud’s bowling dismissed Abdullah Shafique, and Shoriful Islam’s crisp throw led to the contentious dismissal of Shan Masood.

The ball, which appeared to have brushed the pad, was ruled to have touched the bat after a review. Babar Azam also fell cheaply to Shoriful, caught off an off-target delivery.