By Alam Zeb Safi
MIRPUR, Bangladesh: Pakistan’s pace spearhead Mohammad Abbas claimed a five-wicket haul before teenage opener Azan Awais announced his arrival on the world stage with a sparkling unbeaten 85, leaving the first Test against Bangladesh finely balanced at the end of Day 2.
After Bangladesh’s lower order collapsed from a position of strength, Pakistan reached 179-1 at stumps at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, trailing the hosts by 234 runs.
Bangladesh resumed the morning at a commanding 301-4, with veteran Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das looking to bat the visitors out of the game. However, the second new ball proved decisive. Mohammad Abbas, returning to the side with clinical precision, dismantled the middle order to finish with figures of 5-92.
Litton Das (33) was the first to fall, caught by substitute fielder Amad Butt off Abbas, sparking a slide that saw the hosts lose their final six wickets for just 112 runs. While Mushfiqur Rahim anchored one end with a gritty 71, he found little support as Abbas and Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-113) exploited the morning moisture.
A late flourish from Taskin Ahmed, who struck a brisk 28 off 19 balls, pushed Bangladesh past the 400-run mark before the innings folded for 413 shortly after lunch.
Pakistan’s response was headlined by a fearless display from their debutant opener. Rookie Azan Awais and the experienced Imam-ul-Haq (45) put on 106 for the first wicket, neutralizing the threat of the Bangladeshi seamers under clear afternoon skies.
Awais, showing maturity beyond his years, reached his maiden half-century off just 65 balls, punishing anything short with authoritative pulls and elegant drives.
The hosts finally broke through when spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz trapped Imam-ul-Haq leg-before-wicket for 45. Imam’s attempt to overturn the decision via DRS failed, providing Bangladesh with their solitary celebration of the afternoon.
The wicket failed to slow Pakistan’s momentum. Abdullah Fazal, also making his Test debut, joined Awais to navigate a tricky final session. The pair added an unbeaten 73-run stand for the second wicket, with Fazal playing the anchor role to reach 37 not out.
By the close of play, Awais had moved to 85, including 12 boundaries, looking well-set for a debut century.
With nine wickets in hand and the pitch expected to remain conducive for batting on Day 3, Pakistan will look to surpass Bangladesh’s total and establish a significant first-innings lead in the opening match of the ICC World Score Summary at Stumps, Day 2:
Bangladesh 1st Innings: 413 all out (N. Shanto 101, M. Haque 91; M. Abbas 5-92)
Pakistan 1st Innings: 179-1 (A. Awais 85*, Imam-ul-Haq 45; M. Miraz 1-37)
Pakistan trail by 234 runs.
