Pakistan Rescued by Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel in 1st Test

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — On the opening day of the first Test match, Bangladesh's pace bowlers capitalized on favorable conditions, reducing Pakistan to a precarious 16-3 early in the innings. The match was delayed for over four hours due to rain, resulting in a greenish wicket at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. However, Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel provided a much-needed recovery for Pakistan, ending the day at 158-4. Ayub displayed resilience against the Bangladeshi seamers, scoring 54 runs off 98 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten on 24 at stumps. The early wickets included a contentious caught behind decision against Pakistan captain Shan Masood, which sparked debate after a TV referral overturned the on-field not out call. Masood's dismissal left the team reeling, while Babar Azam continued to struggle, dismissed for a duck. The partnership between Ayub and Shakeel was crucial, as they effectively countered the spin of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and the pace of Nahid Rana. Shakeel's steady performance helped stabilize the innings, allowing Pakistan to recover from their early woes. Hasan, one of the standout bowlers for Bangladesh, acknowledged the importance of fielding support, highlighting the exceptional catches taken during the day. As the two-test series unfolds, both teams are vying for crucial points in the ICC World Test Championship, with Pakistan currently ranked sixth and Bangladesh eighth. The match promises to be a competitive encounter as both sides aim to improve their standings.