RAWALPINDI: Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam fell just seven runs short of a well-deserved century, but his innings, combined with three other half-centuries, led a determined fightback against Pakistan’s formidable first-innings total of 448 on Friday.
By the end of the third day at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh had reached 316-5, trailing by 132 runs with five wickets still in hand, setting the stage for a promising final day.
Shadman, who faced 183 deliveries and hit 12 boundaries, was dismissed for 93 shortly before tea by Mohammad Ali. His resilient innings, which spanned over five hours, was a highlight of Bangladesh’s response, though he was eventually outdone by the fast bowler’s accuracy.
The afternoon session saw Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Litton Das contribute vital half-centuries. Das played a brisk innings of 52 from 58 balls, and the pair of Rahim and Das built an unbeaten sixth-wicket partnership worth 98 runs.
Their stand, which dominated the final session of play, capitalized on a tiring Pakistani attack. The absence of a specialist spinner in the Pakistan lineup allowed Rahim and Das to take advantage of the conditions, scoring 117 runs in the last 26 overs.
Starting the day at 27-0, Shadman and Zakir Hasan weathered a challenging spell from Pakistan’s pace bowlers. Zakir’s resistance was broken by Naseem Shah, with Mohammad Rizwan taking a superb one-handed catch. Zakir, who scored 12 runs, was out at 31-1.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain contributed a brief 16 before falling to Khurram Shahzad. Mominul then joined Shadman, forming a promising 94-run partnership. Mominul’s half-century, scored off 76 balls with five boundaries, ended when he was dismissed by Khurram.
Part-time off-spinner Saim Ayub claimed his first Test wicket by dismissing Shakib Al Hasan, who was caught by captain Shan Masood at extra cover.
Among the Pakistani bowlers, Khurram Shahzad took 2-47 from 19 overs, while Naseem Shah (1-77 in 18 overs), Mohammad Ali (1-42 in 15 overs), and Saim Ayub (1-23 in five overs) each secured a wicket. Off-spinner Salman Ali Agha (53 runs in 15 overs) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (55 runs in 18 overs) were unable to make significant breakthroughs.
Pakistan’s assistant coach Azhar Mahmood acknowledged the match’s even status, noting a lack of discipline in the final overs but expressing optimism if Pakistan could secure a lead of 80-90 runs.
Mominul Haque remains confident, stating, “Definitely, we believe in positive things. The first session tomorrow will be crucial, and if we don’t lose early wickets, it will be better. I think spinners might get turn and bounce.”
SCOREBOARD
PAKISTAN (1st Innings): 448-6 decl (Mohammad Rizwan 171 not out, Saud Shakeel 141, Saim Ayub 56; Hasan Mahmud 2-70, Shoriful Islam 2-77)
BANGLADESH (1st innings, overnight 27-0):
– Shadman Islam b Ali 93
– Zakir Hasan c Rizwan b Naseem 12
– Najmul Hossain b Khurram 16
– Mominul Haque b Khurram 50
– Mushfiqur Rahim not out 55
– Shakib Al Hasan c Shan b Saim 15
– Litton Das not out 52
EXTRAS (LB-19, NB-3, W-1): 23
TOTAL (for five wickets, 92 overs)* 316
FALL OF WICKETS: 1-31 (Zakir), 2-53 (Najmul), 3-147 (Mominul), 4-199 (Shadman), 5-218 (Shakib)
STILL TO BAT: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
BOWLING:
– Shaheen 18-3-55-0
– Naseem 20-4-77-1 (1nb)
– Khurram 19-3-47-2 (1nb)
– Ali 15-2-42-1 (1w, 1nb)
– Salman 15-1-53-0
– Saim 5-1-23-1
