Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan Lead the Charge as Pakistan Dominates Bangladesh
Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan Shine with Centuries as Pakistan Overpowers Bangladesh.Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan Shine with Centuries as Pakistan Dominates Bangladesh
Despite a pitch initially favoring fast bowlers, it was the Pakistani batsmen who captured the spotlight on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
After navigating early challenges, Pakistan laid a strong foundation with impressive centuries from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. By the close of play on the first day, Pakistan had amassed 448-6, prompting captain Shan Masood to declare the innings.
As play concluded on the second day, Bangladesh had scored 27 runs without losing a wicket, but they face a significant challenge to turn the match in their favor.
Starting the day at 158-4, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan resumed with scores of 57 and 24, respectively. Saud, already Pakistan’s highest run-scorer in just 20 innings, continued his stellar form with a patient 141 off 261 balls, including nine fours. Rizwan, meanwhile, scored 171 off 239 balls, featuring 11 fours and three sixes, before ending his innings unbeaten.
Their partnership of 250 runs is among Pakistan’s highest for the fifth wicket. In a post-match press conference, Saud highlighted the importance of adapting during partnerships. “When one partner is in form, the other may play more defensively if needed. This is how effective partnerships are built,” he explained.
Rizwan was fortunate to survive a dropped catch by wicketkeeper Litton Das off Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s bowling when he was on 89. He later celebrated by hitting a six and a four off Shakib Al Hasan to bring up his third Test century in just 143 balls, and reached 150 with a powerful shot off Shoriful Islam.
Saud took 195 balls to secure his third Test century, showcasing great skill against spin bowling. He was eventually stumped by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Despite the setback, Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi helped Pakistan reach a commanding total.
“The ball moved early on, but Bangladesh’s bowlers largely bowled short of length,” Saud noted. “We will see how our bowlers perform tomorrow and make final judgments about the pitch.”
The pitch, which initially offered movement and bounce, seemed to become a batting haven. Bangladesh’s openers, Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan, looked comfortable against Pakistan’s pace attack. Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad showed some promise, but the day ended before he could make a significant impact.
Bangladesh’s batting coach, David Hemp, expressed hope that his batters could match Pakistan’s performance. “It’s a good batting pitch, and we hope it remains so. Our batters need to come close to Pakistan’s total,” Hemp said.
Scoreboard:
PAKISTAN (1st Innings):
Scoreboard:
- Abdullah Shafique: C Zakir, B Hasan – 2
- Saim Ayub: C Mehidy, B Hasan – 56
- Shan Masood: C Litton, B Shoriful – 6
- Babar Azam: C Litton, B Shoriful – 0
- Saud Shakeel: St Litton, B Mehidy – 141
- Mohammad Rizwan: Not Out – 171
- Salman Ali Agha: C Mehidy, B Shakib – 19
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: Not Out – 29
Extras: (B-12, LB-4, NB-7, W-1): 24
Total: (For Six Wickets Declared, 113 Overs): 448
Fall of Wickets: 1-3 (Abdullah), 2-14 (Shan), 3-16 (Babar), 4-114 (Saim), 5-354 (Saud), 6-398 (Salman)
Did Not Bat: Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali
Bowling:
- Shoriful: 23-4-77-2
- Hasan: 23-4-70-2
- Nahid: 19-0-105-0 (3nb)
- Mehidy: 21-1-80-1
- Shakib: 27-3-100-1 (1w, 4nb)
BANGLADESH (1st Innings):
- Shadman Islam: Not Out – 12
- Zakir Hasan: Not Out – 11
Extras: (LB-4): 4
Total: (For No Loss, 12 Overs): 27
Still to Bat: Najmul Hossain, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
Bowling:
- Shaheen: 4-1-8-0
- Naseem: 5-1-7-0
- Khurram: 3-0-8-0