Bangladesh displayed remarkable resilience on the third day of the first Test against Pakistan, closing at a strong 316 for five in response to Pakistan’s first-innings total of 448 for six declared. The standout performance of the day came from opening batter Shadman Islam, who anchored Bangladesh’s innings with an impressive knock of 93, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century.
Shadman Islam’s Steady Knock
Shadman Islam, who has been in fine form, played a crucial role in stabilizing Bangladesh’s innings after the early loss of wickets. Resuming the day at 27 without loss, Bangladesh faced immediate pressure as Pakistan’s pace attack looked to exploit the early morning conditions. However, Shadman, displaying composure and technique, guided his team through a challenging phase.
His innings of 93 off 183 balls, decorated with 12 boundaries, was an exhibition of patience and elegance. Shadman’s ability to handle both pace and spin was evident as he built partnerships and kept the scoreboard ticking. However, his innings came to a heartbreaking end when he was bowled by Mohammad Ali, leaving Bangladesh at 199 for four. Despite falling short of his century, Shadman’s effort was instrumental in giving Bangladesh a solid platform.
Mominul Haque’s Key Contribution
Before Shadman’s dismissal, he was involved in a crucial 94-run partnership with Mominul Haque for the third wicket. Mominul, who scored a brisk 50 off 76 balls with five fours, provided the much-needed support to Shadman. His innings was cut short by Khurram Shahzad, who bowled a beauty to send Mominul’s off stump cartwheeling. Mominul’s half-century was vital in steadying Bangladesh after they had slipped to 53 for two, showing the depth of experience in Bangladesh’s middle order.
Mushfiqur and Litton Lead the Fightback
After the loss of Shadman and Shakib Al Hasan, who was dismissed for 15 by debutant Saim Ayub, Bangladesh found themselves in a tricky position. However, the experienced duo of Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das took charge, leading a spirited fightback. The pair put together an unbeaten 98-run partnership for the sixth wicket, which was characterized by positive intent and aggressive stroke play.
Mushfiqur Rahim, one of Bangladesh’s most reliable batsmen, played a composed innings of 55 not out from 122 balls, including seven boundaries. His ability to rotate the strike and find gaps kept the pressure on Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly in the final session of the day.
Litton Das, on the other hand, was the aggressor, smashing 52 off just 58 balls, with eight fours and a six. His counter-attacking approach disrupted Pakistan’s bowling plans, especially as the bowlers began to tire on a pitch that had flattened out considerably. The duo’s partnership not only reduced the deficit but also provided Bangladesh with a strong platform to push for a competitive first-innings total.
Pakistan’s Bowling Struggles
Pakistan’s bowlers toiled hard on a hot day in Rawalpindi but found it difficult to extract the same level of assistance from the pitch that they had enjoyed on the first day. Shaheen Shah Afridi, who had been so effective earlier in the match, remained wicketless on Day 3, finishing with figures of 18-3-55-0. Naseem Shah, although quick, was expensive, conceding 77 runs in his 20 overs for just one wicket.
Khurram Shahzad was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, taking two wickets for 47 runs. His dismissal of Mominul Haque was a highlight, as he consistently troubled the Bangladeshi batsmen with his disciplined line and length. Mohammad Ali, who claimed the crucial wicket of Shadman Islam, also bowled well in patches but couldn’t maintain consistent pressure.
Debutant Saim Ayub, who was handed the ball for a brief spell, made an immediate impact by dismissing Shakib Al Hasan for 15. The left-arm spinner showed promise in his first Test outing, giving Pakistan a glimpse of his potential as a future all-rounder.
Bangladesh’s Position
At the end of Day 3, Bangladesh had faced 92 overs, scoring 316 runs for the loss of five wickets. With Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das still at the crease, Bangladesh will look to add as many runs as possible on Day 4 to close the gap on Pakistan’s first-innings total. The partnership between Mushfiqur and Litton will be crucial in determining how close Bangladesh can get to Pakistan’s score, and whether they can push for a lead.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will aim to wrap up the remaining five wickets quickly on Day 4 and enforce a second-innings scenario that gives them a clear path to victory. With the pitch offering less to the bowlers as the game progresses, Pakistan will need to rely on reverse swing and the sharpness of their pacers to dismantle Bangladesh’s lower order.
The third day of the Rawalpindi Test saw Bangladesh fight back admirably after an early wobble, thanks to solid performances from Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Litton Das. Pakistan’s bowlers, despite their efforts, found it challenging to dominate on a flattening pitch. As the match progresses into its final two days, the contest remains finely poised, with both teams having opportunities to assert their dominance.
