Rizwan and Shakeel Shine Against Bangladesh's Struggling Bowling Attack
Pakistan finished their innings at 256-4 before the lunch break on day two of the first Test against Bangladesh, played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Starting the day at 158-4, the home side had Mohammad Rizwan (24) and Saud Shakeel (57) at the crease
Rizwan and Shakeel Forge 142-Run Stand, Overpower Bangladesh Before Lunch on Day Two
On day two of the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rizwan and Shakeel continued their outstanding form, rendering the Bangladeshi bowlers powerless against their resolute defense. The pair crafted a solid 142-run partnership before the lunch break, with Shakeel scoring 86 off 169 balls and Rizwan adding 89 off 131. Both batsmen are closing in on their centuries as Bangladesh’s bowlers struggle to make an impact.
Earlier, on day one, Pakistan faced significant challenges after being asked to bat first. They faltered against Bangladesh’s pace attack, with Abdullah Shafique (2), captain Shan Masood (6), and Babar Azam (0) all dismissed within the first 10 overs.
Saim Ayub’s Maiden Fifty and Saud’s Key Stand Rescue Pakistan
Saim Ayub, in just his third Test innings, reached his first fifty, scoring 56 off 98 balls with four fours and a six. This crucial knock, alongside Saud Shakeel, led to a pivotal 98-run partnership that lifted Pakistan from a precarious position. Saud continued his solid performance with Rizwan, guiding Pakistan to a respectable position by the end of the day. For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud each claimed two wickets.
Playing XIs
Pakistan Squad: 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 Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
The Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh forms part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, with both teams keen to enhance their standings on the WTC points table.
In their 13 Test encounters across six series, Pakistan has won 12 matches, with one ending in a draw.
Conclusion
The ongoing Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is a key fixture in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, with both teams striving to boost their positions on the points table. The clash features prominent players from both sides, with Pakistan fielding a mix of experienced and emerging talents and Bangladesh looking to capitalize on their strengths to challenge the visitors.
Historically, Pakistan has dominated this matchup, winning 12 of the 13 Tests played across six series, with only one match ending in a draw. As the series progresses, both teams are eager to make their mark and shift the momentum in their favor.