Pakistan and Bangladesh played out a high-scoring 1st Test at Rawalpindi, which kept cricket fans on the edge of their seats. This match, which has already produced astounding performances,is set to be a battle of skill and perhaps endurance for the best. Pakistan declared their innings at a commanding 448/6 and Bangladesh were no further close to the total as they are 27 without loss after end of days play on Day 2.
DAY 1 (Nov. 18)The Match Starts
The day 1 of Test match was all about Pakistan top order. After winning the toss and decided to bat, Pakistan openers opted aggression as they faced off against New Zealand bowlers. The Rawalpindi pitch, which generally had a good balance between bat and ball, also helped the bowlers initially but Pakistan’s batsmen handled it well.
Dominance in top order Pakistan
Abid Ali was the rock at the top end in a more patient approach to launching Pakistan’s innings. The key of his technique and temperament was visible when he played the Bangladesh bowlers. Ali and Shan Masood laid a strong foundation, playing with considerable caution both batsmen punishing the loose balls.
Masood, in particular, was excellent and demonstrated that he could defend just as easily,, when necessary. Partnership between the duo set the stage for a glorious total as Bangladeshi bowlers struggled to make in-roads.
Day 2: Pakistan Middle Order Shines
Day 2 : Middle Order DayThe openers had their day on the first. Having been given a good start, the middle-order batsmen now had scope to express themselves and they did just that.
Babar Azam’s Masterclass
As is his wont, Babar Azam showed why he’s rated one of the best in the world with a special knock for Pakistan. Azam was class personified batting with grace as well brute. He played the Shot of a Huntsman and paced his innings beautifully, he knew when to turn on the afterburners but never overplayed his hand as Pakistan stayed in charge throughout.
While Azam’s century was the standout of the day, it was bound to go down as one for a long time. When Pakistan’s last pairing came together, he ensured controls arm and gave the turn a bowler long sessions if they were required to steer them towards a big total.
Down the Order Contributions
The century from Babar Azam was the key contribution but Pakistan lower order also chipped up to help his side add toward their total. Asad Shafiq’s 30 and Mohammad Rizwan’s quick-fire cameo kept the board moving as they put pressure on the Bangladeshi bowlers.
Rizwan was particularly aggressive in the push towards declaration for Pakistan. His rapid runs would ensure that Pakistan got to a total which would put the game on when Bangladesh came out to bat.
Bowling, the Bane of Bangladesh
It was a struggle for the Bangladesh bowlers on Day 2. While they took two wickets early, Pakistan’s middle and lower order ran amok. The bowlers struggled for control, and as the day wore on there was precious little life in a Rawalpindi pitch that offered also much help to New Zealand.
Bangladesh Players of the Series
Although the bowling went to pieces in general, there were glimmers of hope from it for Bangladesh. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam.Filed Under: Intercontinental Cup, taijul islam He was consistently accurate and could grip the surface well to extract some purchase.
Abu Jayed, too, offered some hope with his brand of swing but received barely any support from the other end. The failure of the quicks to crack through and build pressure handed Pakistan the initiative.
Announcing at 448/6: Pakistan play the numbers war
Pakistan captain Babar Azam declared the innings closed at a total of 448/6. This was strategic as it left plenty of time for Pakistan’s bowlers to make inroads into the Bangladesh batting lineup before stumps on Day 2.
Significance of Declaration
In one sense, the 448/6 declaration was a ballsy move. Declaring meant that Pakistan gave Bangladesh a clear message they back their bowlers to take wkts and put everyone under pressure. It also gave Pakistan the chance to have a crack at Bangladesh’s openers in near-twilight, increasing their chances of making an early incision.
The Bangladesh reply: Not out 27-paduan
Bangladesh’s openers, Tamim Iqbal and Shadman Islam needed to survive a hairy period before close of play. With Pakistan’s bowlers looking to strike, it was a day when the patience and technique of Bangladesh’s openers were tested.
A Solid Start
Tamim and Shadman looked set to weather the early storm, playing some tight defensive strokes with caution. They made sure they did not take any foolish risks and rather laid down a path for the innings. Their strategy was to play out the new ball and make sure Bangladesh saw off the day without losing a wicket.
The experienced campaigner Tamim Iqbal played an innings of immense value in getting his partner home. The point being, Pakistan opened with a handful of pacemen early on and Siddle’s experience was invaluable to calm down the nerves at one end.
The Challenge Ahead
While Bangladesh are naturally delighted not to have lost any wicket at all on day two, they face an uphill struggle. Pakistan need to rely on their bowlers here, the pitch is expected to play up more as things go through at later stage of near future and it should be interesting how Pakistan comes out firing with ball in hand tomorrow morning. Bangladesh will play a number of weeks and the key will be to keep its focus on building partnerships, something that has often been tough for them in this knockout-pressure environment.
The Role of Spin on Day 3
With the match making its way into Day 3, spin will undoubtedly play a greater part. As was the case on Day 2, plenty of turn is expected to play a part in this Test and as such look forward to an improved showing from Azhar Ali. This is an area both teams have to take advantage of.
Pakistan’s Spin Attack
Yasir Shah carries Pakistans spun assault, and they will play a significant part in Pakistan utilizing them to intend Bangladesh beat the top of the innings. The opener has experience and will be expected to make a significant contribution. He will trouble the Bangladeshi batters with his turn and bounce.
Pakistan will also rely on the expertise of leg-spinning all-rounder Shadab Khan. His variety and control could be the ideal complement to Yasir Shah’s more attacking method.
Bangladesh’s Counter to Spin
Bangladesh, however, need to bat around their spinners for long periods. It will be upon the experienced, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque to give them some resistance. Between them, they also have to rotate the strike and ensure that Pakistan’s spinners do not settle into any rhythm.
The Battle of the Pacers
Mostly spin will be the key, but our fast bowlers also need to be used well. Pakistan’s pace attack, that has a lot of mettle to show for its potential. Pakistan, on the other hand will rely on Shaheen Afridi’s express pace and fullyfit Hasan Ali.
Pakistan’s Pace Strategy
Major Threat — Shaheen Afridi: Precisely, because he can swing the ball at brisk pace especially with a new-new cherry. His hard-hitting style and the ability to strike early wickets makes him an automatic choice in Pakistan bowling line-up.
Afridi will be backed by the reliability and swing of Hasan Ali. He will look to keep the pressure and if Bangladeshi batters show any lapse in concentration He can take full advantage.
How Bangladesh coped with pace
Credit to the Bangladesh openers for a solid technique facing the second new ball on Day 2 but they are going to need all of that and more come today. Now, if only England can successfully navigate their way through the bowling of Afridi and Ali a little more readily without losing wickets then they will have set up an opportunity for the middle order to kick into gear.
Day 3: A Really Important Test Day
With that, as the teams gear up for Day 3 of action in Abu Dhabi tomorrow, we have a game on our hands. Pakistan will be looking to get through early while looking at putting Bangladesh under pressure;Bangladesh on the other hand, would like tp build a platform and cut down deficit.
Key Factors for Day 3 Pakistan
Pakistan’s Quick Start Pakistan, on the other hand will fancy their chances if they can knock over England early. Should Pakistan manage to nab a couple of early wickets, it could well turn the tide against Bangladesh and open possibilities for even enforcing follow-on.
As for Bangladesh, they will aim to fight their way through. It is in their first order to establish cooperation & avert collapse.
Pitch — The state of the pitch will be crucial. The longer the match progress more difficult it will be for batmans with pitch detrioting which in turn make life easier to spinners.
Spin & Pace to play a part: Balancing between pace and spin is crucial. Pakistan will need to adjust the surroundings and bowl both, fast bowling in addition to spinning strike arms to ruffle out Bangladesh’s batting.
With the declaration news now confirmed and set to get underway in 30 minutes, an intriguing test match is about to unfold.
The 1st Test in Rawalpindi has been nothing short of exciting for fans and we have plenty more coming our way. Pakistan are in prime position to finish the job if they truly want it while Bangladesh have been scrapping all day and will be looking for a miracle.
