Brief Score at Stumps Day Three
Pakistan 448/6 Declared (Mohammad Rizwan171*, Saud Shakeel 141, Saim Ayub 56, Shaheen Shah Afridi 29*, Hasan Mahmood 2/70, Shoriful Islam 2/77)
Bangladesh 1st Innings 316/5 (Shadman Islam 93, Mushfiqur Rahim 55*, Litton Kumar Das 52*, Mominul Islam 50, Nazmul Hasan Shanto 16, Shakib Al Hasan 15, Khurram Shazad 2/ 47)
Bangladesh trailing by 132 runs with 5 wickets standing.
One a day when 17 crore Bangladesh at home exhibiting united force is fighting against unprecedented natural disaster 11 Bengal tigers fought out a day to remember on the Rawalpindi test match. Responding to Pakistan score of 448/6 declared Bangladesh reached 316/5 at stumps of day three. If Bangladesh can carry forward the momentum who knows even taking lead in the first innings is not beyond the grasp.
Pakistan batting almost over the first two days (day one was off course rain curtailed) Pakistan rallied around scoring 448/6 declared. Bangladesh started day two at 27/0. The Wicket was flat. Yet Pakistan four prong pace attack which left nothing unturned to challenge the skill, patience and temperament of Bangladesh batsmen. It could be business as usual if young Shadman and veteran Mominul applying themselves with guts and commitment did not produce an excellent partnership of 94 for the third wicket after being reduced to 2/53 in the first session of day three.
Shadman looked rock solid while Mominul injected confidence in the partnership counter attacking Pakistan attack with crisp strokes Mominul returned playing a breezy 50 but Shadman continued unblenched. His partnership with Mushfique started flowing. Shadman was set for a brilliant century when a lethal inswinger from Mohammad put paid his innings at 93 only 7 short of what was a well-deserved milestone. Shakib coming to bat under huge pressure for reasons beyond cricket could not continue longer failing to a soft dismissal to a parttime bowler Saim Ayub for 16. However, Litton (52*) and Majestic Mushfique (55*) stitching together unbeaten 98 for the 6th wicket has kept Bangladesh in the hunt. Bangladesh playing the entire third day against hostile Pakistani pace attack in the hot humid condition basked in the sunshine.
If the Tigers can keep the momentum going even taking first innings lead is not beyond them. Bangladesh in test cricket on abroad rarely played with purpose like they played yesterday. Shadman played the innings of the day. Unfortunately, the youngster missed well deserved century. He would not even play if informed Mahmud Hasan Joy was not injured. How capably he exploited his opportunity.
Mominul innings was inspiring. Mushfique looked in great touch. Litton displayed class and composure. The first session of day four will indicate which direction the test will be heading. Ball is gripping and turning a bit.
BDST: 1352 HRS, AUG 24, 2024
SMS
