Day 3 of the second Test in Rawalpindi saw Pakistan’s bowlers, Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza, rip through Bangladesh’s top order, leaving the visitors in shambles.
In a remarkable display of pace bowling, Bangladesh crumbled from 14 without loss to 26 for 6 within the first hour of play, setting the stage for what has been Pakistan’s most dominant session of the series.
Bangladesh, resuming their innings in the morning session, were quickly dismantled by Shahzad and Hamza. The new-ball duo struck six times in just 34 balls, with Shahzad leading the charge. The right-arm seamer, who was on fire from the start, claimed four wickets for a mere 15 runs.
His first victim was Zakir Hasan, who flicked a delivery straight to Abrar Ahmed at short midwicket.
Shahzad didn’t stop there—he bowled Shadman Islam and then, with a stunning delivery, shattered Najmul Hossain Shanto’s stumps, sending the Bangladesh captain back to the pavilion with just 4 runs to his name.
Shahzad wasn’t done yet. He returned to trap Shakib Al Hasan’s leg before wicket with a delivery that had the Bangladesh all-rounder completely outfoxed. Despite a review, Shakib had to go, leaving Bangladesh tottering at 26 for 6.
Mir Hamza, who had been initially unlucky with a couple of missed chances, found his groove as well. He got Mominul Haque out with a soft dismissal, the batter chipping a full-length ball to mid-on.
Hamza then followed up by removing first-Test hero Mushfiqur Rahim, who only managed to edge a length delivery to Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps.
With Bangladesh staring down the barrel at 26 for 6, memories of their lowest Test total of 43 began to resurface. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Litton Das dug in to prevent further damage.
The duo added 49 crucial runs for the seventh wicket, taking Bangladesh to 75 for 6 at lunch.
Mehidy played aggressively, hitting a couple of crisp boundaries off Hamza and Mohammad Ali, while Litton played a more cautious role, ensuring they made it to lunch without further loss.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will be thrilled with their bowling performance, especially after the first day was washed out due to rain.
With Bangladesh still trailing by 199 runs and needing another 50 to avoid the follow-on, Pakistan’s bowlers have put their team in a strong position to push for a victory.
As the Rawalpindi Test continues, all eyes will be on how Bangladesh responds to this fierce bowling onslaught and whether Pakistan can wrap up the innings quickly to press for a result in this crucial Test.
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