Pakistan started the fourth day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi with a narrow lead of 21 runs, but their position quickly became precarious as half of the team was dismissed for a mere 65 runs. With the loss of two early wickets, Pakistan’s top order once again struggled to find stability, placing the team in a vulnerable position against a resilient Bangladeshi bowling attack.
Early Struggles for Pakistan
The morning session saw Pakistan begin their innings with cautious optimism, but the Bangladesh bowlers quickly asserted their dominance. Saeem Ayub, who had shown promise, was dismissed for just 20 runs, followed by Shaan Masood, who managed to score 28 runs before being sent back to the pavilion. The early dismissals of key players placed significant pressure on the Pakistani batting lineup.
Captain Babar Azam, who is often the linchpin of Pakistan’s batting order, was unable to anchor the innings and fell cheaply for 11 runs. His dismissal was a significant blow, as Pakistan relied heavily on his experience and skill to guide them through a challenging phase. With Babar back in the pavilion, the onus fell on Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan to stabilize the innings.
A Tough Battle on a Challenging Pitch
The pitch in Rawalpindi has not been kind to the batsmen throughout this Test match. On the third day, Pakistan’s bowlers took full advantage of the conditions, dismissing six Bangladeshi players for just 26 runs in the first hour of play. However, the pitch that favored bowlers also presented immense challenges to the Pakistani batsmen, as seen in their second innings.
Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, both of whom have shown resilience in the past, were left with the task of rebuilding the innings from a difficult position. The pair managed to hold the fort, but the pressure from the Bangladeshi bowlers was relentless. Every run was hard-fought, and the duo had to dig deep to keep Pakistan in the game.
Bangladesh’s Spirited Fightback
The third day’s play had earlier seen a remarkable fightback from Bangladesh. After being reduced to 26 for 6, it seemed as though the visitors were on the verge of a complete collapse. However, wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das, with a brilliant 138, and Mehdi Hasan Miraz, who scored 78, orchestrated a stunning recovery. Their partnership of 165 runs for the seventh wicket not only frustrated the Pakistani bowlers but also allowed Bangladesh to post a competitive total of 262 runs in their first innings.
Liton Das’s century was a masterclass in grit and determination. Despite the difficult pitch conditions, he displayed excellent technique and temperament to counter the Pakistani bowlers. His innings was the backbone of Bangladesh’s resistance, and his partnership with Mehdi Hasan was crucial in keeping the visitors in the match.
Khurram Shahzad was the standout performer for Pakistan, claiming six wickets and leading the charge against Bangladesh’s batting lineup. His efforts were well supported by Mir Hamza and Salman Ali Agha, both of whom took two wickets each. Despite their efforts, the Bangladeshi lower order managed to eke out a lead of 12 runs, adding more tension to an already closely fought contest.
Liton Das’s Assessment of the Pitch
Reflecting on the performance, Liton Das acknowledged the difficulties posed by the pitch. He noted that the conditions were not conducive to batting, particularly in the initial stages of the innings. “The wicket of the second Test is not helping the batting,” Das commented. “Initially, six players were out for only 26 runs, so there was some pressure, but Mehdi Hasan Miraz batted with positive thinking and reduced the pressure on the Pakistani bowling line.”
Das’s assessment highlights the challenging nature of the Rawalpindi pitch, which has tested the skills and patience of both teams. His partnership with Mehdi Hasan was a demonstration of how positive intent and resilience can overcome difficult conditions, a lesson that Pakistan’s remaining batsmen would do well to heed.
The Road Ahead
As the fourth day progresses, the match hangs in the balance. With Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan at the crease, Pakistan’s hopes rest on their ability to navigate the tricky pitch and extend their lead to a defendable total. The Bangladeshi bowlers, however, will be eager to wrap up the innings quickly and chase down a potentially low target.
This Test has been a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams, with momentum swinging back and forth. As the day unfolds, cricket fans can expect more twists and turns in what has already been a gripping contest. Whether Pakistan can consolidate their lead or if Bangladesh will seize the initiative remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the outcome of this Test will likely hinge on the performances of a few key players in these crucial final moments.
