The ongoing Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh has seen an extraordinary display of resilience and skill from Pakistan’s middle-order batters, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. The first Test, held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, is setting the stage for what could be a decisive match for Pakistan, thanks to the stellar performances from these two players.
Day 1: A Challenging Start for Pakistan
The Test match began under challenging conditions. Early morning rain delayed the start of play by nearly four and a half hours, with the match eventually commencing at 2:30 PM local time. Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first, taking full advantage of the overcast conditions and a wet outfield that favored seam bowling. Their decision paid off immediately, as Pakistan’s top order crumbled under the pressure.
By the ninth over, Pakistan had lost three crucial wickets for just 16 runs. Openers Abdullah Shafiq and Shaan Masood struggled against the swinging ball and were dismissed cheaply. Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain and one of the world’s leading batters, failed to score and was sent back to the pavilion without troubling the scorers. Bangladesh’s pace attack, led by Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam, exploited the conditions brilliantly, leaving Pakistan reeling.
However, the tide began to turn as the middle order took charge. Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel initially stabilized the innings, taking Pakistan to 158 for 4 at stumps on Day 1. Despite losing three early wickets, Pakistan showed signs of recovery, with Saud Shakeel standing out with a gritty half-century.
Day 2: A Masterclass in Batting by Rizwan and Shakeel
The second day of the Test match saw a remarkable turnaround by the Pakistani batsmen. Starting the day at 158 for 4, with Saud Shakeel on 57 and Mohammad Rizwan on 24, Pakistan needed a solid partnership to get back into the game. What followed was a batting masterclass that not only rescued Pakistan from a precarious position but also put them in a commanding lead.
Saud Shakeel, who had shown great temperament on Day 1, continued his fine form. He crafted a magnificent innings, reaching his third century in Test cricket. Shakeel’s knock of 141 runs off 261 balls was a testament to his growing stature in international cricket. His innings included nine boundaries, and he demonstrated a mix of patience and aggression that kept the Bangladeshi bowlers at bay.
Mohammad Rizwan, on the other hand, was the star of the day. Known for his resilience and adaptability, Rizwan played an exceptional innings, remaining unbeaten on 171 runs off 239 balls. His knock was laced with 11 fours and 3 sixes, showcasing his ability to score freely even under pressure. This innings marked Rizwan’s first 150+ score in international cricket, and it was his third Test century, further cementing his reputation as one of Pakistan’s most reliable players.
The partnership between Rizwan and Shakeel was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s innings. The duo put on 240 runs for the fifth wicket, a stand that not only rescued Pakistan from a difficult situation but also placed them in a position of dominance. Their partnership was a blend of calculated risks, smart rotation of strike, and punishing the bad deliveries, which wore down the Bangladeshi bowlers.
Pakistan Declares at 448/6
After the departure of Shakeel, Rizwan continued to anchor the innings. He received valuable support from Salman Ali Agha, who contributed 19 runs, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who scored a quickfire 29 not out from 24 balls, including two sixes. Pakistan eventually declared their first innings at a formidable total of 448 for 6, having added 290 runs on the second day alone.
The decision to declare was a strategic one, as it gave Pakistan ample time to bowl at Bangladesh under fading light. Despite the difficult conditions, Bangladesh’s openers, Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan, managed to survive the 12-over session at the end of the day, finishing at 27 without loss.
Rizwan and Shakeel: The Backbone of Pakistan’s Innings
The performances of Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel cannot be overstated. Rizwan’s unbeaten 171 is his highest score in Test cricket, surpassing his previous best against South Africa. This innings also marked his second century at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, highlighting his affinity for the venue. His innings was characterized by its balance between defense and aggression, with Rizwan displaying a calm demeanor throughout, even when dropped twice during his innings.
Saud Shakeel’s innings, though overshadowed by Rizwan’s heroics, was equally significant. His 141-run knock was his first century at Rawalpindi and his third in Test cricket, following his previous centuries in Karachi and Galle. Shakeel’s ability to dig in and play long innings under pressure is becoming a hallmark of his Test career, and his performance in this match will undoubtedly boost his confidence for future games.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Struggles
On a pitch that continued to assist the fast bowlers, Bangladesh’s bowlers found it difficult to maintain the pressure exerted on Day 1. Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam, who were instrumental in the early breakthroughs, failed to replicate their success on Day 2. Despite bowling with discipline, the Bangladeshi attack could not dislodge the well-set Rizwan and Shakeel. Mahmud and Islam ended the innings with figures of 2 for 70 and 2 for 77, respectively, reflecting the toil they endured on a tough second day.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh’s off-spinner, was the only bowler to taste success on the second day, claiming the wicket of Saud Shakeel. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent Pakistan from posting a commanding total.
Pakistan in a Strong Position
As the Test match progresses, Pakistan finds itself in a strong position, thanks to the outstanding performances by Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel. With a first-innings total of 448 and Bangladesh at 27 without loss, the pressure is now squarely on the visitors. Pakistan’s bowlers will be eager to capitalize on the early inroads and push for a decisive lead in the series.
The partnership between Rizwan and Shakeel has not only given Pakistan a significant advantage in this match but also highlighted the depth and resilience of Pakistan’s batting lineup. As the series unfolds, Pakistan will look to build on this momentum and continue their dominance over Bangladesh.
