Pakistan’s strategy to deploy four fast bowlers on a slow Rawalpindi pitch backfired as the opening Test against Bangladesh unfolded on Days 3 and 4. After Pakistan declared at 448 for six, Bangladesh took charge, securing a 117-run lead by the end of their innings with a total of 565 runs. The visitors capitalized on a series of missed opportunities by Pakistan, as five Bangladeshi batsmen, including Mushfiqur Rahim who scored his sixth 150-plus innings, made significant contributions.
Shan Masood Invloved In Argument With Head Coach Jason Gillespie
On Day 3, Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood was visibly frustrated in the dressing room, reacting to the missed chances and inability to secure crucial wickets. A video that circulated widely on social media showed Masood expressing his discontent in a heated exchange with the newly-appointed head coach, Jason Gillespie, who remained composed while Masood voiced his concerns.
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Mushfiqur Rahim’s Stunning Performance Helps Bangladesh Take The Lead
On Day 4’s final session of the opening Test, Bangladesh were bowled out for 565 runs, thanks to a remarkable 191 from veteran Mushfiqur Rahim. The 37-year-old’s innings spanned eight hours and 42 minutes before he was dismissed, edging a delivery from fast bowler Mohammad Ali to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. Rahim also played a crucial role in a record-setting 196-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who contributed a fifty of his own.
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This outstanding performance by Mehidy and Mushfiqur propelled Bangladesh to their highest total against Pakistan, surpassing the 555 for 6 they had posted in Khulna in 2015. Their seventh-wicket partnership broke the previous record of 186 runs set by Warren Lees and Richard Hadlee for New Zealand in Karachi in 1976, marking the highest stand against Pakistan in Test history.
Pakistan will start Day 5 at 23 for one. As after Day 4’s conclusion, Pakistan were to reduced their first innings deficit to 94 runs, with Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique not out at 9 and 12, respectively.
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Aug 25, 2024 07:47
Written By
Daisy Mehta
