Mohammad Abbas led Pakistan’s strong performance on day two of the Mirpur Test against Bangladesh, taking five wickets. His efforts hindered Bangladesh’s goal of surpassing a score of 500 runs.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das began the day cautiously, adding 37 runs to their overnight score of 301 before Abbas dismissed Das. This ended their 62-run partnership and shifted the momentum.
Abbas quickly took down Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, leaving Rahim looking for support. Rahim was eventually bowled out by Shaheen Shah Afridi for 71 runs.
Taskin Ahmed energized the crowd with a brisk 28 off 19 balls, hitting three fours and a six, before Shaheen dismissed him, limiting Bangladesh to 413 runs.
Pakistan opened with a new pair: Imam-ul-Haq and debutant Azan Awais, who took advantage of the batting-friendly conditions without taking unnecessary risks.
Awais faced a tough moment when he was struck on the helmet by Nahid Rana’s first delivery but received medical attention and continued his innings.
The opening pair put together 106 runs, establishing a solid start for the team and frustrating the Bangladesh bowlers after their impressive batting display.
Imam fell just short of fifty, getting dismissed by a straightforward ball from Mehidy. Awais, however, managed to remain calm and marked his first fifty. He then formed a crucial 73-run partnership with fellow debutant Abdullah Fazal, helping Pakistan end day two at 179/1.