Pakistan conclude day four at 23/1 in Rawalpindi test

Rawalpindi: Pakistan ended day four of the first Test against Bangladesh at 23/1, trailing by 94 runs after a tough day at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The hosts lost opener Saim Ayub early, leaving Shan Masood (9*) and Abdullah Shafique (12*) to hold the fort.

Bangladesh took control earlier in the day, securing a 117-run lead by posting a massive 565 in response to Pakistan's 448/6. Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim was the star of the day, scoring a monumental 191 off 341 balls, including 22 fours and a six. He was well-supported by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who contributed a valuable 77 off 179 balls.

The day started with Bangladesh at 316-5, with Rahim and Liton Das at the crease. Pakistan's Naseem Shah struck early, removing Das for 52, caught by Mohammad Rizwan. However, Rahim continued his masterclass, becoming the third batter to reach a century in this Test. His partnership with Miraz put Pakistan on the defensive.

Rahim fell just short of a double century, dismissed for 191 by Mohammad Ali. After his departure, Pakistan quickly wrapped up the Bangladesh innings, with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah cleaning up the tail.

This Test is part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 series, with both Pakistan and Bangladesh eager to improve their standings on the WTC points table. Historically, Pakistan has dominated this matchup, winning 12 of the 13 Tests played between the two teams, with one match ending in a draw.