Half-centuries from Saud Shakeel and Saim Ayub played a crucial role in Pakistan’s recovery on a shortened but intense first day of the first Test in Rawalpindi. Although only 41 overs were bowled, it was enough for Bangladesh to make an early impact, reducing Pakistan to 16/3. However, the hosts fought back, ending the day at 158/4.
The start of play was delayed by four hours due to a wet outfield, keeping the groundsmen occupied and players waiting. After several inspections, the toss finally took place at 2:00 PM local time, with Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto choosing to bowl first, hoping to capitalize on the moisture in the pitch and the generous grass cover.
Hasan Mahmud struck early, drawing Abdullah Shafique into a drive, which resulted in an edge that Zakir Hasan caught expertly at slip. Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, briefly impressed with a classy backfoot drive for the day’s first boundary, but his innings was cut short when Shoriful Islam had him caught behind. Bangladesh successfully used the DRS, and despite Masood’s disagreement with the decision, which he felt showed the UltraEdge spike after the ball had passed the bat, he had to depart. Pakistan’s troubles deepened as Shoriful sent Babar Azam back for a duck, with Litton Das taking a brilliant catch down the leg-side.
Saud Shakeel began his innings with confidence, driving a delivery from Nahid Rana past mid-off for a boundary. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub, who started cautiously, began to find his rhythm, playing some elegant drives and flicks. Ayub’s first boundary came from a cut shot off Mahmud, followed by an expensive over from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, during which Shakeel swept for four, and Ayub advanced down the pitch to hit a six over long-off. The pair quickly raised a fifty-run partnership, with Ayub’s stylish on-drive off Rana bringing another boundary as he approached his half-century.
After the initial assistance for the bowlers waned, Ayub and Shakeel continued their strong partnership after Tea, rotating the strike well and finding the boundary regularly. Ayub reached his maiden Test fifty and seemed set for more, but a lapse in judgment saw him driving away from his body, resulting in an edge that was caught at slip by Mehidy off Mahmud, ending a valuable 98-run stand. Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan then built another steady partnership, with Shakeel bringing up his half-century as Pakistan crossed the 150-run mark before the extended play ended for the day.
Saud Shakeel Amazing Batting Against Bangladesh [Video]