At a glance
- Azan Awais scores impressive debut century for Pakistan
- Bangladesh secure narrow 27-run first-innings lead
- Mehidy claims five-for to swing momentum back to hosts
Debutant Azan Awais announced himself on the Test stage with a composed century but Bangladesh edged ahead after Mehidy Hasan Miraz spun his side to a narrow first-innings lead on a rain-interrupted third day in Mirpur.
Pakistan showed resilience in reply to Bangladesh’s 413 with the 21-year-old Awais producing a sparkling 103 that blended elegance with authority. Yet Mehidy’s relentless accuracy proved decisive as the hosts dismissed Pakistan for 386 to secure a 27-run advantage before stretching it to 34 by stumps.
Bad light brought an early end to proceedings at 5.30pm following an afternoon shower that had already disrupted play for nearly an hour. Bangladesh’s openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam safely negotiated the closing overs with seven runs on the board.
Bangladesh 413 and 7 for 0 (Mahmudul 2*) lead Pakistan 386 (Awais 103, Fazal 60, Mehidy 5-102, Taijul 2-46) by 34 runs. View the full scorecard here.
Awais Shines on Memorable Test Debut
The day carried a strong Pakistani flavour for long periods thanks largely to Awais who looked remarkably assured in his maiden Test appearance. His fluent strokeplay through cover and square on both sides of the wicket frustrated Bangladesh’s bowlers and lifted Pakistan into a commanding position.
Awais first shared a 106-run opening stand with Imam-ul-Haq before adding another century partnership with fellow debutant Abdullah Fazal. The pair became only the third debutant combination from Pakistan to post a 100-run stand in Test cricket.
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Bangladesh Strike Back Before Lunch
Bangladesh however seized control in a dramatic spell before lunch. Taskin Ahmed removed Awais at first slip shortly after the opener reached his century while also dismissing captain Shan Masood cheaply.
Mehidy then struck twice in quick succession as Saud Shakeel fell for a duck and Fazal departed for a well-made 60 after mistiming an attacking stroke to mid-on.
Pakistan suddenly slipped from 210 for 1 to 230 for 5 and Bangladesh sensed an opening.
Rizwan and Agha Rebuild Innings
Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the innings with a determined rebuilding effort. Their partnership combined caution with calculated aggression as they found boundaries regularly and chipped away at the deficit.
Rizwan reached his half-century before falling in unfortunate fashion just before tea when he failed to clear mid-off while advancing to Taijul Islam. Moments later dark clouds rolled over Mirpur and heavy rain forced the players from the field.
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Mehidy Claims Five-For to Hand Bangladesh Advantage
When play resumed Agha briefly continued Pakistan’s resistance but Bangladesh quickly wrapped up the tail. Mehidy removed Noman Ali and Shaheen Afridi in rapid succession to complete his 14th five-wicket haul in Tests while Taijul cleaned up Hasan to close the innings.
Mehidy finished with impressive figures of 5 for 102 with Taskin and Taijul claiming two wickets apiece.
While Pakistan’s young debutants offered plenty of promise and fight Bangladesh will head into day four knowing they hold a slender but valuable advantage in a contest that remains finely poised.
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