Bangladesh’s batters show grit to stay in the contest against Pakistan
RAWALPINDI: Bangladesh’s top-order batters displayed immense resilience on day three of the opening Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, with four of the top seven hitting defiant fifties. The visitors fought back admirably to reach 316-5 at stumps, trailing Pakistan’s formidable first-innings total of 448-6 declared by 132 runs.
Shadman Islam was the standout performer, falling just short of a century with a well-crafted 93. His partnership with Mominul Haq, who contributed a steady 50, provided stability after Bangladesh lost their openers early in the day.
The Bangladesh innings had a shaky start, with Zakir Hasan (12) and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (16) falling victim to Pakistan’s disciplined pace attack. Naseem Shah’s precise bowling was finally rewarded when Zakir slashed hard, only to see wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan pull off a spectacular one-handed catch. Khurram Shahzad further tightened the screws on Bangladesh by breaching Shanto’s defense, leaving the visitors struggling at 53-2.
However, veteran Mushfiqur Rahim and the aggressive Litton Das steadied the ship with an unbroken 98-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Litton, in particular, took the attack to Pakistan, hammering 18 runs off a Naseem over that featured three boundaries and a six, reaching his fifty in just 52 balls.
Mushfiqur’s composed 55 and Litton’s unbeaten 52 have kept Bangladesh in the hunt, with the duo expected to lead the charge on Saturday as they look to erase the deficit and remain competitive in the match.
