BAN vs PAK Day 3: Pakistan Fight Back After Awais Fifty
Pakistan made a strong comeback on Day 3 of the 1st Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium as opener Abdullah Awais played an impressive unbeaten innings to keep the visitors alive in the contest.
After Bangladesh posted a solid first-innings total of 413, Pakistan responded positively with 179/1 at the end of the day’s play. Pakistan still trail by 234 runs, but the strong batting partnership has shifted momentum back toward the visitors heading into Day 3.
Abdullah Awais Leads Pakistan Recovery
Young batter Abdullah Awais remained unbeaten on 85 runs from 133 balls and became Pakistan’s standout performer of the day. His calm approach, smart shot selection, and ability to handle Bangladesh’s spin attack helped Pakistan recover after losing an early wicket.
Awais showed confidence throughout the innings and built important partnerships to reduce pressure on the middle order. Cricket experts praised the opener for playing mature Test cricket in challenging Dhaka conditions.
His innings could become a turning point for Pakistan if he converts the fifty into a big century on Day 3.
Azan Fazal Provides Strong Support
Azan Fazal also contributed an important unbeaten knock of 37 runs from 78 balls. The right-handed batter supported Awais effectively and helped Pakistan avoid further damage before stumps.
The partnership frustrated Bangladesh bowlers during the final session and gave Pakistan hope of reducing the first-innings deficit significantly.
Pakistan’s batting unit looked more comfortable compared to the early overs, where Bangladesh bowlers created pressure with disciplined bowling.
Bangladesh Bowlers Search for Early Breakthroughs
Bangladesh bowlers started aggressively but managed only one wicket despite maintaining pressure during certain phases of the innings.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the most successful bowler for the hosts, picking up the important wicket of Imam-ul-Haq and controlling the run flow during the middle overs.
Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain, and Taijul Islam also bowled disciplined spells but failed to break the growing Pakistan partnership late in the day.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will now aim for quick wickets early on Day 3 to maintain control of the Test match.
Bangladesh Earlier Posted 413 Runs
Bangladesh’s first innings total of 413 was built around brilliant performances from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and experienced batter Mominul Haque.
Shanto scored a superb century, while Mominul contributed a valuable 91 runs. Mushfiqur Rahim also added an important 71 as Bangladesh dominated most of Day 2.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas impressed with the ball and finished with five wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up three important wickets.
Pakistan Eye Strong Comeback in Dhaka
Despite trailing by 234 runs, Pakistan’s batting response has kept the match competitive heading into the next day. Fans are now expecting an exciting Day 3 battle between Pakistan’s batting lineup and Bangladesh’s spin attack.
If Pakistan’s top order continues building partnerships, the visitors could still challenge Bangladesh and push the Test toward an intense finish.
Match Summary
- Match: Bangladesh vs Pakistan – 1st Test
- Venue: Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
- Bangladesh 1st Innings: 413
- Pakistan 1st Innings: 179/1
- Pakistan Trail By: 234 Runs
Key Performers
Bangladesh Batting
- Najmul Hossain Shanto – 101
- Mominul Haque – 91
- Mushfiqur Rahim – 71
Pakistan Bowling
- Mohammad Abbas – 5 wickets
- Shaheen Shah Afridi – 3 wickets
Pakistan Batting
- Abdullah Awais – 85*
- Azan Fazal – 37*
