.jpg)
A productive session with the ball for Bangladesh left Pakistan in a precarious position on the fifth day of the first Test in Rawalpindi.
Bangladesh made regular incisions and ensured partnerships did not develop, as Pakistan slipped to 108 for 6 at Lunch, still trailing by 9 runs, Cricbuzz reports.
The fifth day began on a bright note for Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud found the outside edge of Shan Masood's bat when the Pakistan skipper tried to slash at a short of length delivery.
The onfield umpire ruled in favour of the batter initially but had to reverse the decision as Bangladesh opted for the DRS and replays revealed a spike on UltraEdge. Babar Azam nearly bagged a pair when he got an outside edge off Shoriful Islam but Litton Das couldn't hold on to the ball. After a nervy start, Babar started to look a bit more composed as he nailed a cut shot off Mahmud for his first four.
Babar also managed a four off Shakib Al Hasan but he wasn't in control of the shot as he got a thick edge attempting a cut. Abdullah Shafique, at the other end, was employing a cautious approach and was troubled a couple of times by Nahid Rana in his first over. Shafique got his first four of the day when he tried to duck under a short ball from Rana and the ball clipped the back of the bat and went over the 'keeper.
Rana consistently clocked speeds in excess of 145kmph and he eventually got his reward when Babar went for a booming cover drive but inside-edged the ball onto the stumps to depart for 22. Pakistan were in further trouble soon after, slipping to 67/4, as Saud Shakeel was lured out of the crease by Shakib, attempting to work the ball to the leg side but ended up getting stumped.
Wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan came out with a positive mindset, striking three fours in an over off Rana. Shafique and Rizwan then hit a boundary apiece off Shakib, helping Pakistan past the 100 mark. The fifth wicket pair put on a brisk 37-run stand which was ended by Shakib when Shafique came down the track to Shakib and chipped a catch to backward point.
Agha Salman fell for a first ball duck to Mehidy Hasan Miraz getting an outside edge looking to defend, with Shadman Islam taking a fine catch at slip, as Pakistan were reduced to 105/6.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, lost a review after Shakib rapped Shaheen Afridi on the pad.
Rizwan and Shaheen remained unbeaten at Lunch, with Pakistan having their work cut out in the second session.
bd-pratidin/GR
