At a glance
- Azan Awais Stuns Bangladesh with unbeaten 85 in dream Test debut
- Mohammad Abbas claims superb five wicket haul in Mirpur
- Pakistan close on 179 for 1 after Bangladesh post 413
Bangladesh dominated large periods of the opening day in Mirpur but Pakistan roared back into contention on day two thanks to a stunning debut innings from Azan Awais and a brilliant spell from Mohammad Abbas.
After Abbas carved through the Bangladesh lower order to finish with a superb five wicket haul, Pakistan closed on 179 for 1 in reply to Bangladesh’s 413. At the heart of the response was 19-year-old Awais whose unbeaten 85 transformed the mood in the visiting camp and hinted at the arrival of a major new talent.
Bangladesh had begun the day in complete control but Pakistan’s fightback gathered force through the discipline of Abbas and the confidence of two debutants who showed little sign of nerves under pressure.
Pakistan 179 for 1 (Awais 85*, Imam 45, Mehidy 1-37) trail Bangladesh 413 (Shanto 101, Mominul 91, Mushfiqur 71, Abbas 5-92) by 234 runs. View full scorecard here.
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Awais and Imam Steady Pakistan
Awais shared a century opening stand with Imam-ul-Haq before adding another unbroken partnership with Abdullah Fazal to guide Pakistan into a promising position. With nine wickets still intact, the tourists trail by 234 runs and suddenly appear capable of much more than simply surviving in the contest.
The young opener’s innings carried even greater weight considering the rocky beginning he endured. Nahid Rana’s very first delivery to him climbed sharply and struck him flush on the helmet, leaving Awais shaken and briefly requiring medical attention. For a moment, his stay at the crease looked uncertain.
What followed, however, was an exhibition of remarkable calm.
Once settled, Awais began to unfurl the strokeplay that has made him Pakistan’s most prolific domestic batter over the past two seasons. His elegant drives through cover stood out immediately while his willingness to attack both pace and spin forced Bangladesh onto the defensive.
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Azan Awais Stuns Bangladesh with Fearless Strokeplay
Imam never looked entirely comfortable during his 45 but Awais appeared increasingly assured with every passing over. Even after Imam fell to Mehidy Hasan Miraz, trapped by a sharp arm ball, the teenager refused to retreat into caution.
In one memorable burst late in the evening session, he punished Nitish Kumar Reddy for consecutive short deliveries before flicking a 147.1-kph ball from Nahid to fine leg for a third boundary in succession. It was a sequence that underlined both his confidence and his range.
Fazal also played a valuable supporting role with a patient unbeaten knock that helped Pakistan safely through the closing stages, although Bangladesh missed a late opportunity when a thick edge off Taskin Ahmed was spilled at third slip.
Abbas Sparks Pakistan Fightback
Earlier in the day, Abbas had provided the breakthrough Pakistan desperately needed. Bangladesh resumed strongly and looked poised for a huge total when Litton Das attacked Shaheen Shah Afridi with three early boundaries.
But Abbas once again proved Pakistan’s most reliable weapon.
Operating with intelligence and subtle variation, the experienced seamer unsettled Bangladesh with a series of surprise bouncers. Litton miscued one to substitute fielder Amad Butt before Mehidy fell attempting another aggressive stroke.
Taijul Islam briefly counterattacked in lively fashion but he too fell victim to Abbas’ short-ball tactics. Shaheen then removed Mushfiqur Rahim for a determined 71 with a fine delivery after lunch before Abbas sealed his five wicket haul when Ebadot Hossain edged behind.
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Bangladesh Lose Grip After Strong Start
Bangladesh eventually crossed the 400-run mark thanks to a brisk cameo from Taskin Ahmed who struck 28 from just 19 deliveries and added useful late runs with Nahid Rana.
Despite that effort, the day ultimately belonged to Pakistan and in particular to a debutant who played with maturity far beyond his years. Under fading light in Mirpur, Azan Awais ensured Pakistan walked off believing this Test match had swung firmly back into the balance.
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