Pakistan End First Session Trailing by 162 Runs

The third morning of the Mirpur Test brought Bangladesh right back into the contest. After ending the previous day under pressure, the hosts responded strongly with the ball as Taskin Ahmed and Mehedi Hasan Miraz led an impressive fightback. Pakistan lost four wickets in the opening session and went to lunch on 251 for 5, still trailing Bangladesh by 162 runs.

Starting the day on 179 for 1, Pakistan looked comfortable early on with overnight batters Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal continuing their partnership confidently. During the session, Azan reached his maiden Test century. However, he could not extend his innings much further after the milestone, falling to Taskin Ahmed for 103 off 165 balls.

Bangladesh quickly gained momentum after Azan’s dismissal. Taskin removed Pakistan captain Shan Masood, before Mehedi Hasan Miraz struck twice in quick succession to dismiss Saud Shakeel and Abdullah Fazal. Pakistan lost their fifth wicket with the score on 230.

Under pressure, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha then steadied the innings with an important partnership. Taskin had briefly dismissed Salman, but the delivery was ruled a no-ball, giving the Pakistani all-rounder a lifeline. The pair ensured Pakistan did not lose another wicket before the lunch break.

Salman Ali Agha remained unbeaten on 12 from 38 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan was not out on 8 from 19 deliveries at lunch.