Bangladesh obtained off to a superb begin within the opening Take a look at of the two-match collection in opposition to Pakistan on the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (August 21). Zakir Hasan took a sensational catch to dismiss Abdullah Shafique, handing the guests an early benefit. Following a delay as a consequence of a moist outfield, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto gained the toss and opted to bowl first, a choice that paid off virtually instantly.
Abdullah Shafique’s early departure
The essential dismissal occurred on the third ball of the fourth over. Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud, bowling with precision, delivered a well-directed outswinger exterior the off-stump. Shafique, trying a drive, solely managed to edge the ball thickly. Hasan, positioned at fifth slip, displayed glorious reflexes and athleticism, diving mid-air to finish a spectacular catch. This early wicket left Pakistan struggling at 3/1 after 3.3 overs. Shafique’s temporary stint on the crease noticed him scoring solely two runs off 14 balls, unable to offer the strong begin Pakistan wanted. His early departure put extra strain on the remainder of the batting lineup.
Right here’s the video:
Zakir Hasan’s beautiful catch to dismiss Abdullah Shafique #PAKvsBAN pic.twitter.com/OKUZFuMg2I
— Usman Jamil (@thtpakistaniguy) August 21, 2024
Additionally READ: PAK vs BAN: ‘Aur inko champions trophy host krni hai…’: Followers roast PCB for poor outfield circumstances on Day 1 of the Rawalpindi Take a look at
Bangladesh’s bowlers capitalize on early success
Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Mahmud, continued to place Pakistan underneath strain. The early dismissal of Shafique was only the start, as a few overs later, Pakistan misplaced their captain, Shan Masood, who was dismissed for six runs off 11 balls. Shoriful Islam, one other key bowler for Bangladesh, was answerable for this dismissal, and he rapidly adopted it up by eradicating former Pakistan Take a look at captain Babar Azam for a two-ball duck.
By the tip of the eighth over, Pakistan was reeling at 16/3, with their prime order in disarray. The dismissals of Masood and Babar additional compounded Pakistan’s troubles, because the hosts struggled to seek out stability in opposition to Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling assault.
Pakistan’s battle at Tea
Because the groups headed into the tea break, Pakistan discovered themselves in a precarious place at 81/3 after 9 overs. Vice-captain Saud Shakeel and younger Saim Ayub have been on the crease, tasked with the difficult job of rebuilding the innings. With Bangladesh’s bowlers in full management and the Rawalpindi pitch providing help, Pakistan faces an uphill battle to get well from the early harm inflicted by the guests.
