Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel showcased their resilience with crucial half-centuries, helping Pakistan recover to 158-4 in 41 overs on the rain-shortened opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The start was delayed due to a wet outfield, with no play possible during the morning session.
Saud Shakeel, who remained unbeaten on 57 off 92 balls, including five boundaries, will resume batting on the second day alongside Mohammad Rizwan, who is not out on 24 from 31 balls, featuring two boundaries.
Bangladesh, after opting to bowl in the afternoon, made early inroads, reducing Pakistan to a precarious 16-3 within 8.2 overs. The collapse began with Abdullah Shafique, who was caught at gully by Hasan Mahmud in the fourth over.
Skipper Shan Masood followed, contributing just six runs from 11 deliveries before being dismissed by Shoriful Islam in the seventh over. The biggest blow came when Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, was dismissed for a two-ball duck, caught by Litton Das off Shoriful’s bowling in the ninth over.
With Pakistan in deep trouble, Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel orchestrated a vital 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket. This partnership spanned across both sides of the tea break, providing much-needed stability to the innings.
Saim Ayub, playing in his debut Test, reached his maiden half-century, scoring 56 off 98 balls with four boundaries and a six. His innings came to an end in the 32nd over when Hasan Mahmud induced an edge that was safely taken by Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the slip cordon.
Following Saim’s departure, Saud Shakeel continued to anchor the innings, forming an unbeaten 44-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan before the close of play. For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud were the standout bowlers, each claiming two wickets.
The second day’s play is scheduled to begin at 9:45 AM local time.
