1st Test: Saim, Shakeel steady Pakistan after early wobble on rain-hit Day 1

Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel spearheaded Pakistan’s comeback on a rain-affected Day 1 of the first Test in Rawalpindi, after Bangladesh’s seamers caused early damage when play resumed.

After losing three early wickets, an unbroken 65-run partnership between Ayub and Shakeel helped Pakistan reach 81/3 at tea. However, resilient half-centuries from Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel helped stabilize the innings, guiding Pakistan to 158/4 by the end of the day’s play.

The day began with wet patches on the outfield due to early morning rain, delaying the toss by over four hours. Once play finally began, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and opted to field on a greenish wicket, taking full advantage of the favorable conditions.

Pakistan’s top order quickly found themselves under pressure, with the score at a troubling 16/3. Hasan Mahmud (2-33) and Shoriful Islam (2-30) exploited the damp conditions, causing significant early damage.

Abdullah Shafique (2) was the first to fall, caught in the gully off a spectacular diving catch by Zakir Hasan. Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, was dismissed next in a contentious decision, given out caught behind upon review, much to his visible displeasure. The struggles continued as Babar Azam, Pakistan’s former all-format captain, was caught behind for a duck, marking his seventh consecutive Test without a significant contribution.

Amidst the collapse, Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel provided the much-needed resistance. Ayub, who scored 56, played a patient and controlled innings, facing 98 balls and hitting four boundaries and a six. Shakeel, the vice-captain, remained unbeaten on 57, playing with confidence as the pair added 98 runs for the fourth wicket in a critical partnership.

Their stand was eventually broken when Ayub was caught at third slip off Hasan Mahmud in the final session. Despite the breakthrough, Pakistan ended the day on a relatively stronger note, with Mohammad Rizwan (24*) at the crease alongside Shakeel.

The two-Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship, with Pakistan currently ranked sixth and Bangladesh eighth, just above the West Indies. Day 2 promises to be crucial for both teams as they look to gain an early advantage in the series.