RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan delivered an exceptional performance on the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Rizwan’s brilliance was on full display as he remained unbeaten with a remarkable 171 not out during Pakistan’s first innings. His innings, which featured 11 fours and 3 sixes, was a key factor in Pakistan’s strong position. The team declared their innings at 448-6, with Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi still at the crease.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh resumed their innings at 22 for no loss, with Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan at the crease. However, in the fifth over of the third day (17th overall), Bangladesh faced a setback when Zakir Hasan attempted a shot at cover but edged a delivery from Naseem Shah.
Rizwan, quick on his feet, responded with a spectacular one-handed catch, bringing Hasan’s innings to an end and giving Pakistan an early breakthrough.
On day two, Rizwan and Saud Shakeel showcased excellent form, frustrating the Bangladeshi bowlers with their solid defense. Both players reached their third Test centuries, with Shakeel contributing 141 runs off 261 balls, including nine fours, before being dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Rizwan and Shakeel’s partnership of 240 runs for the fifth wicket was instrumental in Pakistan’s commanding total.
Shaheen Shah Afridi also played a handy role, adding 29 runs off 24 balls to support Rizwan.
Playing XIs
- Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad
- Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
This Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, with both teams eager to secure valuable points and strengthen their standings on the WTC table. Historically, Pakistan has dominated the Test matches between the two sides, winning 12 out of 13 encounters, with one match ending in a draw.
