First Test: Pakistan declare first inning at 448/6 against Bangladesh

Rawalpindi: Pakistan declared their first innings at a solid 448/6 on day two of the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
In response, Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan played cautiously, ending the day at 27/0 after 12 overs. They now trail by 421 runs.

Starting the day at 158/4, Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan (24) and Saud Shakeel (57) continued their impressive form, frustrating the Bangladeshi bowlers. Both batsmen reached their third Test centuries, putting together a crucial 240-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Saud Shakeel was eventually dismissed for 141 runs, which included nine boundaries. Rizwan, however, remained unbeaten with a career-best 171 off 239 balls, featuring 11 fours and 3 sixes. Shaheen Afridi also contributed with a quick 29 off 24 balls.

Earlier on day one, Pakistan struggled initially, losing Abdullah Shafique (2), skipper Shan Masood (6), and Babar Azam (0) within the first 10 overs. However, a steadying 98-run partnership between Saim Ayub (56) and Saud Shakeel helped Pakistan recover.

For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud each took two wickets. The Test series is part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, with both teams aiming to improve their standings. Historically, Pakistan has dominated Bangladesh in Test matches, winning 12 out of 13 encounters, with one match ending in a draw.