Tigers take control against Pakistan after dominant morning session

Bangladesh national cricket team seized control of the opening Test against Pakistan national cricket team after a dominant morning session at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The Tigers claimed four wickets before lunch, leaving Pakistan struggling and still trailing by 162 runs in the first innings.

Bangladesh created constant pressure throughout the session, producing six clear wicket-taking chances. 

Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz shared the spoils with two wickets each.

Pakistan opener Azan Awais resumed the day on 85 and went on to score his maiden Test century. However, his innings ended shortly after reaching 103 when Taskin dismissed him to spark a dramatic collapse.

Following Awais’ departure, Pakistan lost momentum rapidly as captain Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel both threw away their wickets with poor shot selection at a crucial stage of the innings.

Abdullah Fazal, who had shown patience during his knock, became Miraz’s second victim after being caught at mid-on for 60 off 120 balls while attempting an aggressive shot against the spinner.

With four wickets falling in the session, Bangladesh tightened their grip on the match, leaving Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha as Pakistan’s last recognised batting pair at the crease.

SH