The first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi has reached its final day, and the visitors have put themselves in a strong position to secure their first-ever Test win against their sub-continental rivals. Mushfiqur Rahim’s brilliant innings of 191 on Day 4 helped Bangladesh take a significant lead of 117 runs in the first innings. Pakistan now faces an uphill task of saving the match or potentially facing an embarrassing defeat on home soil.
On the fifth day of the Test match, the Bangla Tigers continued their dominance over the Pakistani batsmen. The spinners, led by Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, made quick inroads into the Pakistan batting lineup. Shakib dismissed the well-set Abdullah Shafique, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz got rid of Agha Salman for a golden duck. The hosts found themselves in deep trouble at 105/6 after 34 overs, needing a resilient effort from the lower order to avoid a defeat.
The turning point of the day came when Bangladesh’s Nahid Rana clean bowled Pakistan’s star batsman, Babar Azam. This crucial wicket put Pakistan in a precarious position, with more than 40 runs still needed to erase the deficit. The pressure mounted on the hosts when Shakib Al Hasan had Saud Shakeel stumped, leaving Pakistan four down and facing an uphill battle to salvage a draw.
Earlier in the day, opener Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam had shown some resistance, trying to rebuild the innings after the early loss of wickets. However, the Bangladeshi bowlers continued to apply pressure, and the Pakistani batsmen struggled to counter the spin and pace attack.
As the day progressed, Hasan Mahmud dismissed Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, in the second over of the day, leaving the hosts two down with just 28 runs on the board. The visitors were in a commanding position, with Pakistan still trailing by 89 runs.
The weather forecast for the final day of the Test match in Rawalpindi predicted hot and humid conditions with a low likelihood of rain. This meant that fans could expect an uninterrupted 90 overs of play, adding to the excitement of what promised to be a thrilling conclusion to the match.
In conclusion, the first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi has been a rollercoaster ride, with the visitors holding the upper hand going into the final day. Pakistan will need a miraculous effort from their lower order to salvage a draw, while Bangladesh will be eyeing a historic Test win against their sub-continental rivals. The stage is set for an enthralling finish to what has been a gripping Test match.