Pakistan’s star batsman, Babar Azam, faced an unexpected and disheartening start in the first Test against Bangladesh at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, as he was dismissed for a two-ball duck on the opening day.
This unfortunate dismissal marked the first time Azam had been sent back to the pavilion without scoring in a home Test match, a rare occurrence for a player of his caliber.
The incident took place during the second over of Pakistan’s innings. Shoriful Islam, Bangladesh’s left-arm pacer, delivered a well-directed ball that trapped Azam leg before wicket (LBW).
The decision was confirmed after a brief consultation with the third umpire, leaving the Pakistani captain walking off the field with a dejected look. His early departure left Pakistan in a precarious position at 16/3, sending shockwaves through the home crowd, who had high expectations from their captain.
Babar Azam’s dismissal was not just a blow to Pakistan’s innings but also a significant moment in the match, given his recent exceptional form and his standing as one of the premier batsmen in world cricket.
Known for his consistency and elegance at the crease, Azam’s wicket was considered crucial by the Bangladeshi bowlers, and Shoriful Islam had particularly targeted him as a key dismissal before the series even began.
Shoriful had earlier described Azam as a “dream wicket,” and his excitement was evident when he managed to achieve this rare feat so early in the game.
Despite the setback of losing their captain, Pakistan managed to regroup and end the day on a more positive note. Youngster Saim Ayub and the dependable Saud Shakeel formed a resilient partnership, steering the team out of immediate trouble.
Saud Shakeel played with composure, scoring an unbeaten half-century that anchored Pakistan’s innings. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan contributed a valuable knock, showcasing his typical grit and determination.
As the day concluded, Pakistan’s scorecard looked more respectable, thanks to the efforts of Shakeel and Rizwan. The pair will aim to build on their partnership as they resume Pakistan’s first innings on the second day, with the hope of setting a challenging total against a determined Bangladeshi bowling attack.
The early loss of Babar Azam will surely be a point of reflection, but Pakistan’s recovery showed their resilience in the face of adversity.