Pakistan vs Bangladesh 1st Test Match: Day 1 Highlights

The 1st Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh commenced on August 21, 2024, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Due to unfavorable ground conditions, the first session of play was delayed. After three inspections, umpires decided to cancel the initial session, forcing players to take lunch with no play taking place. The next inspection was scheduled for 1:30 PM IST.

This Test match marks the beginning of a two-Test series, with Bangladesh facing significant challenges due to ongoing political turmoil in Pakistan. The unrest has hindered the team’s preparations, affecting their ability to practice and their foreign coaches’ mobility.

Despite the difficult circumstances, play eventually began, and by stumps on the first day, Pakistan had scored 158 runs for the loss of four wickets in 41 overs. Saud Shakeel and Saim Ayub were the standout performers, both scoring half-centuries and rescuing the team from an early collapse.

Bangladesh’s decision to field was initially fruitful as they quickly took three wickets, exploiting the conditions well. However, Shakeel and Ayub’s partnership proved pivotal, with the duo accumulating a total of 98 runs for the fourth wicket.

Shakeel, who has been promoted to vice-captain, marked a significant milestone by becoming one of the joint-quickest batsmen to reach 1,000 Test runs in just 20 innings, matching a record set by Saeed Ahmed in 1959.

Although Bangladesh achieved early success with their seamers, the lack of an effective spin attack became apparent during the match. The spinners struggled to contain the opposing batsmen, who capitalized on scoring opportunities.

The match continues, with both teams looking to establish an advantage in this crucial Test series.