Summary Pakistan were bowled out for 386 in the Dhaka Test despite Azaan Awais’ debut century as Bangladesh secured a 27-run first-innings lead.
DHAKA (Dunya News) – Pakistan’s batting fightback in the Dhaka Test fell short on the third day as the visitors were bowled out for 386 in reply to Bangladesh’s 413, handing the hosts a slender 27-run first-innings lead at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.
At stumps on day three, Bangladesh had moved to 7 without loss in their second innings, extending their advantage to 34 runs heading into the fourth day of the opening Test.
Pakistan resumed the morning on 179 for 1 after an encouraging second day, with debutant Azaan Awais unbeaten on 84 and Abdullah Fazal on 37. The pair continued confidently against the Bangladesh attack before Azaan’s impressive innings came to an end shortly after reaching a memorable century.
The young opener became only the 14th Pakistani batter to score a hundred on Test debut. His composed knock of 103 came from 153 deliveries and included 14 boundaries, providing Pakistan with a solid platform during the opening session.
Abdullah Fazal also enjoyed a notable outing in his maiden Test appearance, scoring 60 runs and registering a half-century on debut. The partnership between the two youngsters briefly shifted momentum towards Pakistan after Bangladesh’s strong first-innings total.
However, Pakistan’s innings lost momentum rapidly once the second wicket fell. Captain Shan Masood managed only 9 runs before departing with the score on 226. In the following over, Saud Shakeel was dismissed for a duck, leaving Pakistan suddenly struggling at 227 for 4.
Abdullah Fazal was then removed for 60 with the total on 230, triggering a middle-order collapse that allowed Bangladesh back into control.
Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha attempted to steady the innings with a crucial partnership. Rizwan scored 59 while Salman contributed 58, keeping Pakistan in contention and reducing the deficit considerably. Imam-ul-Haq added 45 runs, while Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in with 13.
Despite the resistance, Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 386, falling 27 runs short of Bangladesh’s first-innings score.
Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the standout bowler for the home side, claiming five wickets in a decisive spell that broke Pakistan’s resistance. Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed picked up two wickets each as Bangladesh maintained pressure throughout the innings.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had posted 413 after resuming day two on 301 for 4. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a commanding 101, while Mominul Haque narrowly missed a century after scoring 91.
Experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim added 71 runs in the middle order, while Litton Das made 33. Contributions from Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam further frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers lower down the order.
Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas delivered an impressive performance with the ball, finishing with five wickets in the innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi supported him with three scalps, while Hasan Ali and Nauman Ali claimed one wicket each.
The third day saw momentum swing repeatedly between the two sides, with Pakistan recovering strongly through their debutants before Bangladesh’s bowlers seized back control during the middle sessions.
With the match finely balanced and Bangladesh holding a narrow lead entering the fourth day, the contest remains open as both teams push for an early advantage in the two-match series.
