Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam’s fighting half-century led his team’s recovery against Pakistan on the third day of the first Test in Rawalpindi. Islam’s unbeaten 53, coupled with Mominul Haque’s 45 not out, guided Bangladesh to 134-2 at lunch, defying Pakistan’s pace attack on a slowing pitch.
The visitors still trail Pakistan’s first innings total of 448-6 by 314 runs but have eight wickets intact, thanks to the unbroken third-wicket stand of 81 between Islam and Haque. Pakistan employed all four pacers but lacked a frontline spinner, with part-time slow bowler Agha Salman making little impact.
Resuming at 27-0, Bangladesh lost Zakir Hasan (12) and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (16) in the extended session due to Friday prayers. However, Haque and Islam batted with confidence, hitting four and six boundaries, respectively.
Islam’s third Test half-century came off 134 balls, and he pulled pacer Naseem Shah’s last delivery before lunch for his sixth boundary. Haque has also looked solid, having faced 104 balls.
Pakistan’s pace attack, which included Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, and Haris Rauf, struggled to make an impact on the slowing pitch. The hosts are missing a frontline spinner, which has limited their options.
Bangladesh’s recovery has set up an intriguing contest, with the visitors aiming to reduce the deficit and potentially push for a draw. Pakistan, on the other hand, will look to capitalize on their first innings lead and push for a win.
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