Hasan Ali sparked a wave of concern on the first day of the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Sylhet after taking a blow to the head while going for a return catch. The incident unfolded in the eighth over of Bangladesh’s innings, with opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim chipping the ball back towards the bowler.
Hasan moved quickly and dived to his right to try to complete the catch, but he landed awkwardly. As he hit the turf, the right side of his head came down heavily, leaving him visibly shaken.
Players on the field reacted immediately as the Pakistan pacer appeared dazed and struggled to find his balance. Medical staff rushed in for treatment, and after a period of assessment, Hasan was taken off on a stretcher. With him unable to continue, stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha had to finish the remainder of the over.
Pakistan received relief soon after, as the injury scare did not keep Hasan out of the contest. He returned to action at the start of the 16th over and then bowled again in the 19th, helping ease fears within the visitors’ camp.
Prior to the incident, Pakistan had set the tone with an assertive start, winning a pivotal toss under cloudy skies in Sylhet. The seamers made excellent use of the conditions, with Mohammad Abbas striking immediately by dismissing Mahmudul Hasan Joy in the opening over.
Abbas then struck again later, removing Tanzid Hasan Tamim after the opener failed to capitalise on a promising start. Mominul Haque did show composure at the crease, but briefly lost focus and was bowled by a sharp inswinger from Mir Hamza Shahzad.
By lunch, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim—both experienced campaigners—were working to steady the innings. The pitch remained lively, continuing to offer movement to the seam bowlers while still rewarding careful, disciplined batting.
