PAK vs BAN 2024: Saud Shakeel, Saim Ayub rescue Pakistan from morning strike on Day 1

Pakistan he showed resilience on the first day of the first Test against it Bangladeshrecovery from early failures due to the efforts of Saud Shakeel again Saim Ayub. The match, which was held in Rawalpindi, saw Pakistan start struggling at 16 for 3 before the pair made a strong comeback.

Early struggles of Pakistan

Bangladesh right-arm paceman Hasan Mahmud he made quick work after winning the toss and electing to bowl first, taking the wicket of Abdullah Shafique in his second over. Pakistan’s situation worsened when the left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam hit twice in a row. He first took out the captain of the home team Shan Masood just six runs and I send the star batter Babar Azam I returned to the pavilion for the duck.

Rediscovery led by Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel

Despite the early wickets, Saim Ayub again Saud Shakeel anchored Pakistan’s first innings with a strong fourth-wicket partnership. The two added 65 runs together, Ayub remaining unbeaten on 42 and Shakeel on 28 at tea time. Their partnership was crucial in helping Pakistan recover from the initial onslaught, as they navigated the challenging conditions of the green pitch.

ALSO WATCH: Zakir Hasan takes a stunning mid-air catch to remove Abdullah Shafique on Day 1 of PAK vs BAN first Test

After the tea break, both batsmen continued to build their innings, with Ayub reaching his first Test fifty. The duo’s efforts were instrumental in lifting Pakistan’s score above 100 as the hosts he went into the stands on 158 for 4and Shakeel also scored his half century.

After Ayub’s dismissal (56 off 98), Shakeel added an unbroken stand of 44 runs no. Mohammed Rizwan. Both remain unbeaten at 57 and 24, respectively.

The essence of the game

This Test series is part of the World Test Championship, with Pakistan currently sitting in sixth place in the table and Bangladesh in eighth place. This game is not only important for team competitions but also for the game of cricket in Bangladesh which has faced political turmoil that is disrupting its preparations.

ALSO WATCH: Shan Masood argues with umpire after controversial dismissal in PAK vs BAN first test