In a commanding display of resilience and skill, Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel forged a massive 240-run partnership for the fifth wicket, placing their team in a dominant position against Bangladesh on the second day of the first Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Resuming at an overnight score of 158 for four, Pakistan declared their first innings at an imposing 448 for six, thanks to Rizwan’s career-best unbeaten 171 and Saud’s well-crafted 141. By the close of play, Bangladesh, faced with a daunting task, were 27 for no loss in 12 overs.
Rizwan, who began the day on 24, displayed remarkable composure and determination to notch up his third Test century. His 239-ball innings featured 11 boundaries and three towering sixes, building on his previous best of 115 not out against South Africa. This century was his second at Rawalpindi, with the other being against Australia in Karachi.
Saud Shakeel, starting the day on 57, played an equally crucial role. His 261-ball effort included nine boundaries and marked his first century at this venue, following earlier hundreds in Karachi and Galle. Shakeel’s dismissal, after a brilliant 240-run stand with Rizwan, came when he was stumped off Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Despite Rizwan being dropped twice and Saud surviving a close run-out scare, the duo continued to frustrate the Bangladesh bowlers, who found little success on a wicket that still had something for the fast bowlers.
After Shakeel’s departure, Rizwan added another 44 runs with Salman Ali Agha (19) and an unbroken 50-run partnership with Shaheen Shah Afridi, who contributed a quickfire 29 not out off 24 balls, including a four and two sixes.
Bangladesh’s bowlers, Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam, who had taken two wickets each on the first day, went wicketless on the second day as Pakistan piled on 290 runs in 72 overs.
The visitors now face an uphill battle to claw their way back into the match as Pakistan’s first-innings total sets a formidable challenge.
Scores at the end of Day 2:
Pakistan (1st innings): 448-6d (Mohammad Rizwan 171 not out, Saud Shakeel 141, Saim Ayub 56, Shaheen Shah Afridi 29 not out; Hasan Mahmud 2-70, Shoriful Islam 2-77)
Bangladesh (1st innings): 27-0 (12 overs)
Leave a Reply