PAK vs BAN 1st Test: A Drama-Filled Encounter Unfolds in Rawalpindi

The first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh is currently taking place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. However, it has not been concise during this period with large fortunes changing and voices changing in ways that can only be called serious, thrilling and concentrate people in anticipation. There has been rain while players were fighting on the field as well.

A Rain-Delayed Start

The match could only start very late because of incessant rain in Rawalpindi—an incident that somewhat underlined the problems the Pakistan Cricket Board is facing when such a situation arises. The nonstop rain also brought to the fore the shortcomings of the stadium’s infrastructure, as the ground conditions deteriorated so badly that the match officials were left with no option but to call for an early lunch to provide extra time for the ground staff to prepare the pitch and outfield.

This match finally got underway despite the setback, with a first session reduced in length. The first day of playing was a test of patience from both sides, but Pakistan seemed better conditioned at home to face such disruptions.

Pakistan’s Dominance with Bat

Winning the toss and electing to field first, Bangladesh could hope for a god start in the testing conditions; however, things soon went against them as Pakistan’s top order utilized the situation fully. The imposing total put on by the hosts—448 for the loss of six wickets—had Bangladesh on the back foot.

Computer engineer Saud Shakeel played a gem of an innings, scoring 141 runs from 261 balls using a solid technique and temperament to nurture the Pakistan innings. It was a near-perfect Test match innings in which patience and random spurts of aggression kept the scoreboard moving. Shakeel’s efforts were supported ably by none other than wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan of Pakistan himself.

Rizwan’s 171-run knock-off of 239 balls was an account of the combination of grit and flair. He was calm and collected under pressure, putting his side in a very dominant position in the game. He shared a crucial partnership with Shakeel, which turned out to be the pivot of Pakistan’s innings and ultimately frustrated the bowlers of Bangladesh, extending the lead.

 On-Field Drama: Babar Azam and Litton Das Clash

While Bangladesh appeared to be regaining momentum in the game, an intense situation emerged on the field. Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan, initiated a discussion with Litton Das from Bangladesh. It looked like it was going to hurt him badly because it made Das more narcissistic who responded perfectly well by confronting the rising fast bowler Naseem Shah from Pakistan.

In belated fireworks of batting, Litton Das thumped Naseem for eighteen runs off six legal deliveries, thereby posting a clenched fist reply towards attacking, and the balance shifted just a little more in favor of Bangladesh. This added drama to the game and made both teams bring out the competitive spirit in them.

Hits Back with the Bat

At the end of Day 3, though, Pakistan was still way ahead of the game, with Bangladesh 132 runs behind in their reply to Pakistan’s first-innings total. The visitors did make slight glimpses of a fight between Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das, who made a well-worked half-century.

Playing his first Test in ten months, Mushfiqur Rahim showed the kind of calm and determination that has made him one of Bangladesh’s most reliable batsmen. His unbeaten 55 was a testament to the fact that he had handled pressure from years of experience. Litton Das, fresh from his altercation with Babar Azam, continued batting with aggression and reached his fifty off just 52 balls. His innings included three fours and a pulled six, all of which came in a single over off Naseem Shah, further underlining his intent to counterattack.

The Mushfiq-Litton stand has fetched 98 runs and has given Bangladesh the impetus required to remain in the game. The duo’s efforts have been praiseworthy facing the second new ball as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah were not able to break through further as the Day 3 slowly ebbed away.

Game in the Balance

With the match moving into the last two days, it continues to remain at an uncertain position. While Pakistan still hangs on to the lead from the first innings, Bangladesh has given a show of being gritty and prepared to fight back on the home turf. The Rawalpindi pitch, supposed to become increasingly difficult to bat on as the match unfolds, is expected to provide lots of assistance to both batsmen and bowlers for a tantalizing climax.

The “cricket match highlights,” the ones that cricket fanatics eagerly wait for, remain to be seen when both teams try to wrest control from the other. As is common with every Test, this one has given plenty enough entertainment and drama to make it compulsory viewing for every fan of the longest format of the game.

Up for all those wanting to “watch live cricket for free” and updated while the event continues, platforms like Winexch come in handy to keep the pulse alive on what’s coming through from the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

 FAQs

1. Why was the first day of the PAK vs BAN 1st Test delayed?

The first day was washed out by incessant rain in Rawalpindi, and ground conditions were such that an early lunch was taken to allow extra time for the pitch to dry and be ready for play.

2. How did these outstanding performers for Pakistan with the bat contribute towards their first innings total?

Saud Shakeel scored 141 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan chipped in with 171 runs, playing crucial roles in Pakistan’s first-innings total of 448-6.

3. What happened on the field between Babar Azam and Litton Das?

Babar Azam and Litton Das exchanged heated words, and later on, Das went on to attack Naseem Shah by smashing eighteen runs in just six deliveries.

4. What is Bangladesh’s reply to Pakistan’s first innings in numbers?

Composed of Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das, who has raised a fifty and a subsequent 98-run partnership, the Bangladesh middle order, played sensibly, soaking up pressure from the bowlers to bring down the lead to be just 132 runs away from Pakistan’s total.

5. Where to Watch PAK vs BAN 1st Test Live Highlights?

The fans can watch Test cricket live for free and follow match highlights on Winexch among other websites that are going to carry live coverage of the Test match.