Pakistan’s decision to field four fast bowlers on the sluggish Rawalpindi pitch was challenged over Days 3 and 4 of the opening Test against Bangladesh. Despite Pakistan declaring their innings at 448 for six, Bangladesh gained a commanding position, taking a 117-run lead in the first innings. They were eventually dismissed for 565 runs just before the final hour on Day 4.
Big fight between pct players,
Pakistani captain Shan masood angry on Babar azam drop catch and his performance😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/BVhTtfzSW6— virashtra (@virashtriox) August 24, 2024
Shan Masood, Pakistan’s captain, expressed his frustration over missed chances and failed breakthroughs as five Bangladeshi batters reached half-centuries, with Mushfiqur Rahim leading with a monumental 191. The situation was captured in a viral video where Masood was seen arguing with newly-appointed head coach Jason Gillespie, who listened quietly as Masood voiced his concerns.
Mushfiqur’s marathon innings lasted 8 hours and 42 minutes, during which he formed a record 196-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who also scored a half-century. This partnership surpassed the previous record for a seventh-wicket stand against Pakistan, set at 186 runs by Warren Lees and Richard Hadlee in 1976.
Bangladesh’s total of 565 runs is their highest score against Pakistan, surpassing their previous record of 555 for 6 set in Khulna in 2015. At the close of Day 4, Pakistan managed to reduce the deficit to 94 runs, with Masood and Abdullah Shafique remaining unbeaten on 9 and 12, respectively. Pakistan will resume on Day 5 at 23 for 1.
