Pak vs Ban: First Test Day 1 - Early Struggles for Pakistan
Today marked the start of the highly anticipated Pak vs Ban series, with the first Test kicking off on August 21st. Unfortunately, the match faced a delay due to a wet outfield, a common issue during Pakistan's rainy season. Rawalpindi, the venue, saw more rain than other regions, which consumed the first session of Day 1.
Toss and Early Drama
Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl first, taking advantage of the moisture on the pitch. The new Rawalpindi pitch was already promising for fast bowlers, and the added moisture made it even more challenging for the Pakistani batsmen.
As he tried a cover drive, Pakistan's opener Abdullah Shafique was caught at the fifth slip. The fielder made an incredible catch, and Abdullah only had to walk back two runs. Pakistan was behind 2-1, and captain Shan Masood was under tremendous pressure to come in at number three.
Babar Azam’s Brief Stay
A left-arm bowler from Bangladesh sneaked back and smacked Shan Masood's pad with a stinging ball. Bangladesh reviewed the ruling when the fielders filed an appeal, even though the on-field umpire remained in place. To everyone's surprise, Masood was declared out I think just due to the wrong decision made by the third umpire. Finally, A scream of energy went up from the audience as Babar Azam took the crease. His visit was brief, unfortunately With just two balls faced before getting out, Babar Azam put Pakistan in serious difficulty at 16-3.
Resilient Middle Order
Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel took control at this crucial moment. Saim anchored the innings, showing maturity well beyond his years. Unfortunately, After reaching his first Test fifty and making a useful fifty-six, he was removed by a full delivery.
After that, Mohammad Rizwan followed Saud at the crease in trying to offer much-needed support. However, Pakistan is 158-4 at the close of the first day, with Saud undefeated at 57 and Rizwan not out at 24.
Pakistan 1st Innings
| BATTING | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdullah Shafique | 2 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14.28 |
| Saim Ayub | 56 | 98 | 4 | 1 | 57.14 |
| Shan Masood (c) | 6 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 54.54 |
| Babar Azam | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Saud Shakeel | 57 | 92 | 5 | 0 | 61.95 |
| Mohammad Rizwan † | 24 | 31 | 2 | 0 | 77.41 |
| Extras | 13 | ||||
| TOTAL | 158/4 | 41 Ov (RR: 3.85) |
Yet to bat: Agha Salman, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad
Fall of Wickets
- 1-3 (Abdullah Shafique, 3.3 ov)
- 2-14 (Shan Masood, 6.5 ov)
- 3-16 (Babar Azam, 8.2 ov)
- 4-114 (Saim Ayub, 31.1 ov)
Bowling
| BOWLING | O | M | R | W | ECON | WD | NB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoriful Islam | 12 | 4 | 30 | 2 | 2.50 | 0 | 0 |
| Hasan Mahmud | 13 | 3 | 33 | 2 | 2.53 | 0 | 0 |
| Nahid Rana | 10 | 0 | 48 | 0 | 4.80 | 0 | 2 |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | 4 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 6.00 | 0 | 0 |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 2 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 6.00 | 0 | 0 |
Bangladeshi Bowlers Shine
All through the day, Bangladeshi pacers, specifically Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam, were outstanding. Furthermore, They both claimed two wickets each, continuously pushing Pakistan. However, Their disciplined bowling was crucial in reducing Pakistan's all altogether.
My Thoughts on Day 1
Looking back at the first day, I think Pakistan recovered well from the early setbacks. It should have been terrible to lose three wickets so quickly in the innings, but the middle order held strong. Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel's teamwork was vital in keeping the innings calm.
Conclusion
Day 1 of the Pak vs Ban first Test was filled with drama and challenges. Although Babar Azam's early dismissal was a huge setback, Pakistan's middle order fought together. On the second day, Pakistan will try to build a respectable score with Rizwan and Saud still at the wicket. While the game goes on, check back for further updates.
FAQs
1. What caused the delay in the start of the first Test?
The start of the first Test was delayed due to a wet outfield caused by the rainy season in Rawalpindi.
2. How did Babar Azam perform on Day 1?
Babar Azam had a brief stay at the crease, getting out after facing just two balls.
3. Who were the standout performers for Bangladesh on Day 1?
Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud were the standout performers, each taking two wickets and keeping Pakistan under pressure.
4. What was the score at the end of Day 1?
Pakistan ended Day 1 at 157-4, with Mohammad Rizwan not out on 24 and Saud Shakeel unbeaten on 57.
5. How did the middle order respond after the early wickets?
The middle order, led by Saud Shakeel, responded well, stabilizing the innings after losing three early wickets.
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