Pakistan have turned the tide in the opening Test against Bangladesh at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, after a difficult opening day left them chasing the game. At the end of day one, Shan Masood’s side sat on the back foot following Bangladesh’s 301 for 4. However, by the close of day two on Saturday, Pakistan had taken control, with pace spearhead Mohammad Abbas playing the most decisive role.
Day two swing: Abbas takes charge
- Abbas, back in Pakistan’s Test plans after a long break, struck early in the first session and finished it with three wickets for Pakistan.
- He accounted for Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taijul Islam during that opening phase.
- Mushfiqur Rahim and Das began the day on 48 and 8 respectively, taking the team total to 338 before Abbas removed Das, who made 33.
- Bangladesh’s momentum was short-lived as Miraz and Islam were dismissed soon after, for 10 and 17 in succession.
- The second session proved even more punishing for Bangladesh: Shaheen Shah Afridi struck in the very first over, dismissing Mushfiqur Rahim for 71.
- On the very next over, Abbas continued his spell by removing Ebadot Hossain for a duck.
- With that breakthrough, Abbas completed his sixth five-wicket haul in Tests, having also taken the wicket of Bangladesh captain and centurion Najmul Hossain Shanto earlier on day one.
- Bangladesh were eventually dismissed for 413, setting Pakistan a target to seize the initiative in their reply.
Pakistan’s response: debutants put on a platform
Pakistan made a strong start in their chase of the total, with debutant Azan Awais and Imam-ul-Haq adding 106 for the opening stand. Miraz then ended Imam’s stay, trapping him lbw for 45 against the run of play.
Abdullah Fazal, another debutant, joined Awais at the crease and together pushed Pakistan to 179 for 1 at the close of play. Awais remained unbeaten on 85, while Fazal was on 37. The duo have added 78 runs so far in the partnership, but Pakistan still trail Bangladesh by 234 runs.
In the build-up to the match, the surface was reported to be green, which may have influenced Masood’s decision to bowl first. Even so, after early breakthroughs from Afridi and Hasan Ali, the pitch has played true—offering a lively contest rather than anything flat.
With Pakistan’s bowling improved compared to day one, they will look to surpass Bangladesh’s total and establish a substantial first-innings advantage. The next priority will be to carry that intensity into the second innings, aiming for a sharper performance when Bangladesh bat again. The stakes are high as this is part of the World Test Championship cycle, with both teams fighting for crucial points.
