Miraz–Taskin lead Bangladesh fightback in first session agaisnt Pakistan

Bangladesh national cricket team seized control of the third day’s opening session of the Mirpur Test, removing four wickets for just 72 runs to leave Pakistan national cricket team under mounting pressure at 251 for 5, still trailing by 162 runs.

At Shere Bangla National Stadium, the hosts produced disciplined and controlled bowling to break Pakistan’s resistance, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed sharing key breakthroughs.

Pakistan, who resumed their innings after posting 179 for 1 on the second day, saw their momentum collapse in the morning session as Bangladesh struck in quick intervals to shift the balance of the match.

Taskin provided the first breakthrough of the day, removing centurion Azan Awais for 103. The debutant opener, who had earlier reached his maiden Test hundred off 152 balls, was caught in the slips after edging a short-of-length delivery. His dismissal ended a 104-run stand and triggered Pakistan’s slide.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto took a sharp catch to complete the wicket, rewarding Bangladesh for a tight opening spell.

Taskin struck again shortly after, removing Pakistan captain Shan Masood for 9, further denting the visitors’ top order.

Miraz then took charge of the middle overs, removing Saud Shakeel for a duck and later dismissing Abdullah Fazal for 60 as Pakistan’s resistance began to crumble. Fazal had earlier brought up his maiden Test fifty but could not anchor the innings alone.

Despite a solid start to the day, Pakistan lost three quick wickets inside the first hour, shifting the momentum firmly in Bangladesh’s favour.

Earlier, Pakistan had built their innings around debutants Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal, who added 104 runs for the second wicket after an opening stand of 106 between Azan and Imam-ul-Haq. Imam was dismissed for 45.

Bangladesh had earlier posted 413 in their first innings, powered by a century from Shanto, 91 from Mominul Haque and 71 from Mushfiqur Rahim. Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by Mohammad Abbas, who claimed five wickets.

With Pakistan still trailing significantly, Bangladesh remain firmly in control of the Test as the match moves into a crucial phase.