The cricketing world is looking forward to the Pakistan-Bangladesh 1st Test. As we enter Day 5, it is Bangladesh who have the upper hand and are looking to keep Pakistan on their toes. This is the drama, tension and excitement that this match has delivered to football lovers worldwide. Follow the live updates and analysis in this thread as what could be a season-defining day unfolds.
Build Up to Day 5: A Brief Recall
Now, before we dive into Day 5’s action are a few (real) reasons on how it got to this point. True to the theme of Test cricket, first four days have been a mixed bag with both sides showing peaks and troughs. Pakistan have been on the backfoot in contrasting games, having come into this game with Bangladesh as favourites
1st Day: Strong Start by Bangladesh
Bangladesh won the toss and batted first. Their top-order delivered, led by the experience of Tamim Iqbal and some fantastic run-scoring ability with Najmul Hossain Shanto. The pitch provided some help for the bowlers, and Bangladesh could put a solid score on board, forcing Pakistan’s bowler under pressure immediately.
Day 2: Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan’s response was shaky. When their top was failing terribly, the middle order started to save them. The relentless Bangladesh bowlers continued to chip away, however, and Pakistan were soon in trouble on 77 for four. Through Day 2, Bangladesh were clearly ahead race but Pakistan still had something to square up for.
Day 3: The Turning Point
The day 3 was very important. Bowling first but still picking a strong unit, Bangladesh spinners hunted in pairs to gun down the Pakistan batting line-up. It was a spectacular collapse and Pakistan ended up following on. This was the time where Bangladesh asserted themselves in this match, and Pakistan suddenly had a massive hole to try digging out from behind.
Day 4: Pakistan’s Fightback
Pakistan roared back to life on the 4th day. Their batsmen stuck in, and pairings began to build. At 3-113, it felt as though wonderful win might set Pakistan on course in the series decider; yet crucial wickets to Bangladesh means everything is at stake for Day 5 of a captivating affair.
Day 5: The Decider
Day 4 is now in the rear view mirror and as Day 5 begins, we are right on track for a great finish. Pakistan 4 down and in a spot of bother. Though, as we know cricket is a funny game, nothing can be predicted beforehand. A look at the key moments as they happen throughout the day.
Premature Promotion Of Pakistan’s Top-order
The morning started with Pakistan in deep trouble at the top of their batting order. The coached bowlers, for once absolutely on the money from over one before they started their first real pursuit of UAE wickets implied that it was only going to be a matter of time. Pakistan was then left in a precarious position after key batsmen vanished early on the final day. Even in the matter of fielding, Bangladesh were at their best as they hardly gave away free runs.
Spin vs Patience: The Epic Battle
The pick of the Bangladesh bowlers have been their spinners. Ashwin (6-61) and Jadeja (4-50) have extracted considerable turn and bounce from the pitch to trouble Pakistan’s batsmen throughout the game. This duel of spin and attrition turned even more crucial on Day 5. Rameez: The need to playing a few extra defensive shots forced on Karunaratne, where they would have been looking for something loose. Nevertheless, the patience of Australia’s spinners paid off as they continued to make dents in Pakistan’s order.
A Ray of Hope for Pakistan
Pakistan had found a glimmer of hope amidst pressure and wickets were tumbling. It frustrated the Bangladeshi bowlers as it began lower-order partnership. So pathetic did the Bangladesh batting become that this stand served as a reminder as to how much Pakistan wanted out of the tournament. The obvious question is whether it could change the course of play in Pakistan’s favour or merely prolonging a delayed process?
Strategic approach from Bangladesh
Realizing they had the upper hand, Bangladesh played it safe. Their bowlers were disciplined and kept pegging away, not giving any easy runs. The field was set well and most importantly the bowling changes were made in time. It also kept the scoreboard ticking and applied pressure on Pakistan, but most importantly for Bangladesh is that it prevented Pakistan from taking control of the match.
The wicket that changed the game
For a moment, it looked like Pakistan was getting on the comeback road but Bangladesh got rid of one important wicket. The partnership was broken when set batsman Gurkhera fell which led Bangladesh back into the match. Was this the wicket that broke Pakistan’s back today?
In the Name of #Mein Bhi Digital Pakistan — Or, The Final Hours: Can Pakistan Survive?
Cometh the last hours of daylight, angst was taking a jog around the ground. Pakistan were on the ropes with not many wickets to spare. And the question was always – would they survive the unrelenting assault of Bangladesjsonslaught, or wil be broken under strain.
Pakistan’s Defensive Tactics
Pakistan was reeling in the face of a brutal onslaught and adopted an essentially defensive strategy. The batsmen knew their job, to leave it or block; stay at the wicket. To wear down Bangladeshi bowlers and make them commit mistakes was a ploy. But, the game was moving on and Pakistan had to defend some runs as well.
Bangladesh’s Push for Victory
With victory in sight, Bangladesh came all out on the last day. Pakistan got bowled out with a lead of 347 and their bowlers were left tired trying to break the Pakistani resistance. Fielders were on their toes and every run was being fiercely challenged. Everyone was chewing their nails, as few wickets here and there would give Bangladesh the game.
The Last Stand
Pakistan lower-order staged a late fightback as the day ended. Even so, they were warriors and battled hard for a draw from what looked like mission impossible. Ball after ball was bowled, with each delivery bringing the tension of this deciding test to fever pitch.
A Bangla Triumph or a Pak Great Escape?
When it did reach its climax on the evening of Day 5, as the sun dipped so low over Adelaide that four quad core processors from all corners of the globe would have had trouble making out who was less pathetic in trying conditions under lights with a new ball and wearing mirrors to reflect sunlight (like many Mother Lobsters that handle them), truly you saw some cricket Written In The Stars! Pakistan’s lower order was under siege through the entire day, but had managed to put up a fight; consistently released from such pressure by some brute luck and Bangladesh never close out in style. Eventually, Bangladesh won the game with a few overs to spare.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh
This was more than just a win on the scoreboard at Buffalo; this was saying something. Bangladesh confirmed themself a true Test nation, the one who can defy anybody and fancy for wins. This match was a lesson in consistency and resilience for Pakistan.
It ended with a handshake between the players, and then they turned to acknowledge fans who had stuck through these redolent days — standing figures in cramped balconies celebrating what quite clearly is going down as a classic of Test cricket for nothing ever so encapsulates the dubiously predictable yet exuberance-surging nature of this sport. Day 5 in Bangladesh’s win will be remembered as their arrival on the big stage
