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

Bangladesh he started well in the area to open Test series of two games against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (August 21). Zakir Hasan you took something exciting to destroy Abdullah Shafiqto give visitors a good chance in advance. Following a delay due to a wet pitch, the Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that quickly paid off.

Abdullah Shafique’s premature departure

The crucial dismissal came with the third ball of the fourth over. Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmudbowling with precision, delivered a well-aimed bowler outside the off-stump. Shafique, trying to drive, managed to curl the ball thickly. Hasan, who was placed fifth, showed great agility and speed, diving in mid-air to complete a stunning catch. This first wicket left Pakistan struggling at 3/1 after 3.3 overs. Shafique’s short time at the crease saw him score just two runs off 14 balls, unable to give Pakistan a strong start. His early departure put more pressure on other batsmen.

Here is the video:

Amazing catch by Zakir Hasan to dismiss Abdullah Shafique #PAKvsBAN pic.twitter.com/OKUZFuMg2I

– Usman Jamil (@thtpakistaniguy) August 21, 2024

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Bangladeshi bowlers capitalize on early success

Bangladesh bowlers, led by Mahmud, continued to put Pakistan under pressure. Shafique’s dismissal is just the beginning, as a few overs later, Pakistan lost their captain, Shan Masoodwho was dismissed for six runs off 11 balls. Shoriful Islamanother key Bangladesh bowler, was the one who carried out the dismissal, and quickly followed it up by dismissing the former Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam for a duck with two balls.

At the end of the 8th over, Pakistan were 16/3 short, with their top order shattered. The dismissals of Masood and Babar further compounded Pakistan’s woes, as the batsmen struggled to find stability against Bangladesh’s bowling attack.

Pakistan’s Struggle in Tea

As the teams headed into the tea break, Pakistan found themselves in a difficult position at 81/3 after nine overs. Vice captain Saud Shakeel and young Saim Ayub were at the crease, given the challenging task of rebuilding the innings. With Bangladesh’s bowlers in full control and the Rawalpindi stadium providing support, Pakistan face an uphill battle to recover from the damage inflicted by the visitors.

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