Bangladesh made a bright start in the year The opening Test of the two-match series against Pakistan on Wednesday (August 21) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Zakir Hasan made a sensational catch to dismiss Abdullah Shafiqagives early priority to visitors. Bangladesh captain after a delay due to wet outfield Najmul Huseyn Shanto won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid off almost immediately.
Abdullah Shafiqa’s early departure
The crucial dismissal came in the third ball of the fourth over. Bangladesh accelerator Hasan Mahmudbowling with precision, delivered a well-aimed outswinger outside the off-stump. Shafique, who tried to hit fast, could only narrowly edge the ball. Hasan, at slip five, showed great reflexes and athleticism, leaping in the air to complete a spectacular catch. This early wicket left Pakistan struggling at 3/1 after 3.3 overs. Shafique’s brief stint at the crease saw him score just two runs off 14 balls and failed to provide the solid start Pakistan needed. His early departure put added pressure on the rest of the innings.
We present the video:
Amazing catch by Zakir Hasan to dismiss Abdullah Shafiq #PAKvsBAN pic.twitter.com/OKUZFuMg2I
— Usman Jamil (@thtpakistaniguy) August 21, 2024
Also READ: PAK vs BAN: ‘Aur inko champions trophy host krni hai…’: Fans boo PCB for poor pitch conditions on day 1 of Rawalpindi Test.
Bangladesh bowlers capitalize on early success
Bangladesh bowlers, led by Mahmud, continued to keep Pakistan under pressure. Shafiq’s early dismissal was only the beginning as Pakistan lost their captain a few overs later. Shan MassoudDismissed for six runs off 11 balls. Transparent IslamAnother key player for Bangladesh was responsible for this dismissal and he quickly followed it up by removing the former Pakistan Test captain. Babar Azam for two ball ducks.
At the end of the 8th over, Pakistan trailed at 16/3, their top order in disarray. The dismissal of Masood and Babar added to Pakistan’s woes as the hosts struggled to find consistency against a disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack.
Pakistan’s struggle on the river
As the teams went into the tea break, Pakistan were left in a precarious position at 81/3 after nine overs. Vice-captain Saud Shakil and young Saim Ayub were at the crease, tasked with the tough task of recovering the innings. With the Bangladesh bowlers in full control and the Rawalpindi pitch offering help, Pakistan are struggling to recover the early damage inflicted by the visitors.
