The first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh is already underway at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. In an unexpected turn of events, Bangladesh grabbed a commanding lead over the hosts in the first innings, placing skipper Shan Masood under pressure. The dispute started after Pakistan gained a dominating lead thanks to centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel. But on Day 2, Masood boldly declared that Pakistan was 448/6, leaving Rizwan stuck on 171 not out. Rain on the first day of play made the move appear reasonable at first, but in the end, it proved to be counterproductive as Bangladesh took a 117-run lead in the first innings.
Bangladesh was led by Mushfiqur Rahim, who scored an incredible 191, with backing from Shadman Islam, who scored 93. Bangladesh surpassed Pakistan’s first innings total thanks to half-centuries from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, and Mominul Haque. Even though Masood was ultimately bowled out for 565, frustrated supporters were quick to criticize his statement.
Responses on social media were furious, with one person lamenting, “Happy now with the senseless decision pan Masood took Bangladesh lead by 47 runs and a session to go Pakistan in serious trouble now.” The tweet “Bangladesh 471/6, Lead taken, Pakistan Test bowling, plans & team combination badly exposed” brought attention to Pakistan’s difficulties.
One user said, “Not only is Shan Masood a below-average batsman, he is an awful captain; the timing of his declaration was suggesting as if he wanted to himself bat in the second innings to compensate for his failure in the first innings and in the process have hurt Pakistan.” Critics drew attention to Masood’s dubious decisions, which included selecting four fast bowlers and leaving out Abrar Ahmed.
After the day, Pakistan, with Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique at the crease, were 23-1 and trailed by 94 runs. Bangladesh hopes to take advantage of the Rawalpindi surface, which hasn’t shown much turn, by using their spinners.
Despite the difficulties, Mushfiqur Rahim put up an incredible display and made valuable alliances with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Litton Das. Bangladesh performed admirably in the current Test match; their previous high against Pakistan was 555-6 in 2015.
The story of Masood’s captaincy will keep developing with AFP Inputs as the Test match goes on. Follow along for more updates on this exciting cricket match.