Pakistan’s top order delivered three half-centuries, but the home side managed a modest total of 274 all-out on the second day of the second Test against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Despite strong contributions from opener Saim Ayub (58), captain Shan Masood (57), and Salman Ali Agha (54), Pakistan faltered, losing nine wickets for just 167 runs after a promising start.
Bangladesh, in response, reached 10 without loss by stumps. Shadman Islam, who was dropped on the first ball by Saud Shakeel at slip off Mir Hamza, was unbeaten on six, while Zakir Hasan remained on zero.
Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, registering his 10th five-wicket haul in Test cricket with figures of 22.1-2-61-5. Taskin Ahmed, returning to the Test side, supported him well, finishing with 3-57 from 17 overs.
Pakistan began brightly after being put into bat, with Saim Ayub and Shan Masood forging a 107-run second-wicket partnership. However, Mehidy quickly changed the course of the innings, dismissing both set batters in quick succession. Saim’s 110-ball innings was a balanced mix of aggression and defense, featuring four boundaries and two sixes. Shan played positively, scoring his 57 off just 69 deliveries, but both were undone by Mehidy, who trapped Shan lbw and later dismissed Saim, caught while attempting an aggressive shot.
The middle and lower order couldn’t capitalize on the platform set by the top three. Babar Azam (31) struggled for fluency during his 77-ball stay, while Mohammad Rizwan (29) was removed by Nahid Rana on one of the deliveries of the day. Salman Ali Agha provided some resistance with a well-crafted 54 from 95 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes, but Pakistan’s innings folded 16 minutes before stumps.
In Bangladesh’s reply, the visitors safely negotiated two overs before close, leaving the match intriguingly poised.
Scores in brief (Day 2 of 5):
Pakistan: 274 all-out, 85.1 overs (Saim Ayub 58, Shan Masood 57, Salman Ali Agha 54, Babar Azam 31, Mohammad Rizwan 29; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 5-61, Taskin Ahmed 3-57)
Bangladesh: 10-0, two overs
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