After a delayed start to Day 1 of the first Test between Shan Masood-led Pakistan and Najmul Hossain Shanto's Bangladesh due to rain and a wet outfield, the hosts got off to a really dismal start. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl first and their decision turned out to be right as they managed to get three batters out by the 9th over itself in the match which was being played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, on August 21 (Wednesday).
Bangladesh throw Pakistan on backfoot early on
The early onslaught from Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud caught the Pakistan top order off guard and as a result, they lost their wickets in the bunch. By the first 10 overs, their top order including Captain Shan Masood and star batter Babar Azam was back inside the dugout. Masood's dismissal sparked a little controversy. The batter was also seen having an animated chat with the umpires after a DRS from Bangladesh overturned the on-field umpire's decision in their favor and got rid of the Pakistan skipper. They soon managed to dismiss Babar Azam, who recorded his 8th duck in Test cricket.
Ayub, Shakeel revive the innings
The hosts were on the backfoot and needed a good partnership to take them out of this slump and this job was done well by Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel. Both of them joined an extremely crucial 98-run stand for their team and took them to a good position. Saim Ayub completed his maiden Test fifty but despite looking in great touch failed to turn it into a big knock and got out after scoring 56 runs off 98 balls. After his departure, Shakeel was joined by Mohammed Rizwan. Both of them kept on progressing the scoreboard and held their end firmly. They ensure that their team does not lose any more wickets by the end of Day 1. Pakistan's score at Stumps Day 1 is 158/4.
Saud Shakeel also completed his fifty and is currently batting unbeaten at 57 runs off 92 balls. Meanwhile, Rizwan is at the other end at 24 runs off 31 balls. Both of them will resume the game on Day 2 and would try to get Pakistan to a big score and strong position in their first innings.
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