Home
Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel played brilliant centuries to lead Pakistan to a commanding position on the second day of the Rawalpindi Test. Pakistan declared their innings at 448-6, setting a challenging target for Bangladesh.
Pakistan dominates Day 2, Bangladesh stumble
Rizwan's unbeaten 171 was his highest Test score and his third century in the format. Shakeel's 141 was equally impressive as the duo lifted Pakistan from a shaky 16-3 on the previous day. Bangladesh faced a tough start, ending the day on 27-0. Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan faced 12 overs of pace without any significant trouble, as the Rawalpindi stadium pitch did not prove to be as challenging for bowlers as anticipated.
Bangladesh had put Pakistan on the back foot on the first day, but Saud Shakeel played a crucial role in repairing the innings with Saim Ayub. The duo shared a 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan added another 240 runs for the fifth wicket, effectively blunting Bangladesh's attack.
Mohammad Rizwan-Saud Shakeel's tons power Pakistan
Mohammad Rizwan, who hit three sixes and 11 boundaries in a 239-ball knock, added a quick 44 runs with Shaheen Shah Afridi. Afridi's blistering 29 not out included two sixes and a boundary. This partnership allowed Pakistan to declare their first innings 78 minutes after tea.
Bangladesh failed to secure a wicket in the first session as Rizwan and Shakeel batted superbly, guiding Pakistan to 256-4 at lunch.
Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz finally ended Bangladesh's frustrating wait for a wicket, luring Saud Shakeel out of the crease and allowing wicketkeeper Litton Das to remove the bails. Shakeel's brilliant 261-ball knock came to an end, marking his third Test century and including nine boundaries.
Shakeel narrowly escaped a run out on 138 when he stepped out of his crease to leave paceman Hasan Mahmud's delivery. However, he managed to make it back safely as Das hit the stumps. Agha Salman contributed 19 runs to Pakistan's total.
Pacers Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam were the standout bowlers for Bangladesh, each claiming two wickets. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan also contributed with one wicket each. Resuming at 158-4, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan added a crucial 98 runs in an extended two-hour and 15-minute morning session. Despite Bangladesh's captain Najmul Hossain Shanto using all his bowlers, none could replicate the success achieved on the first day. The two-match series is part of the World Test Championship's third cycle. Pakistan currently holds the sixth position, while Bangladesh is eighth in the nine-team table.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
RP Singh's son scripts history after stepping onto field for England in first Test against Sri Lanka
'That was the best coaching I received...': IPL 2024 winner credits Gautam Gambhir for KKR's success
