In the opening Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan declared their first innings at 448/6, thanks to standout performances by Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel. After winning the toss, Bangladesh invited Pakistan to bat first, a decision that initially seemed to pay off as the visitors’ pace attack put the home side under pressure early in the innings. However, a resilient effort from Pakistan’s middle order, particularly Rizwan and Shakeel, shifted the momentum back in favor of the hosts.
On day one, Pakistan struggled in the face of Bangladesh’s fast bowlers. Abdullah Shafique (2), captain Shan Masood (6), and star batter Babar Azam (0) were dismissed within the first 10 overs, leaving Pakistan reeling at 38/3. The early breakthroughs by Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud had Pakistan on the back foot, but the team found stability in the form of Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel.
Saim Ayub, playing in just his third Test innings, displayed maturity beyond his years as he forged a crucial 98-run partnership with Saud Shakeel. Saim reached his maiden Test fifty, scoring 56 runs off 98 balls, which included four fours and a six. His innings provided the platform that allowed Pakistan to recover from their early setbacks. After Saim’s dismissal, Saud Shakeel took charge, building on the foundation laid by the young opener.
Day two began with Pakistan at 158/4, with Rizwan on 24 and Saud Shakeel on 57. The duo continued to frustrate the Bangladeshi bowlers with their solid defense and calculated aggression. Their partnership proved to be a turning point in the match, as they added 240 runs for the fifth wicket. Saud Shakeel registered his third Test century, eventually being dismissed for 141 off 261 balls by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. His innings was laced with nine boundaries and was instrumental in steering Pakistan to a commanding position.
Rizwan, on the other hand, remained unbeaten and played a masterful innings, reaching his first score of 150+ in international cricket. His knock of 171 runs off 239 balls, featuring 11 fours and three sixes, was a testament to his skill and determination. Rizwan’s innings ensured that Pakistan posted a formidable total on the board, giving their bowlers a strong platform to work with.
Shaheen Afridi also contributed with a quick-fire 29 off 24 balls towards the end of the innings, further boosting Pakistan’s total. As Pakistan declared at 448/6, Bangladesh’s openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan began their innings cautiously. At stumps on day two, Bangladesh had reached 27/0, trailing by 421 runs, with Pakistan’s pacers bowling 12 overs without success.
This Test is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, where both Pakistan and Bangladesh are looking to improve their standings on the points table. Historically, Pakistan has dominated the head-to-head record in Test cricket against Bangladesh, winning 12 out of the 13 matches played between the two sides, with one ending in a draw. This match provides both teams with an opportunity to gain crucial points in the WTC and set the tone for the remainder of the series.
The playing XIs for the match were as follows:
Pakistan: 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: 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.
As the Test progresses, both teams will be eager to seize the advantage, with Pakistan looking to press home their upper hand and Bangladesh aiming to mount a strong response.
