Mehidy's 5-fer helps Bangladesh secure 34-run lead over Pakistan on Day 3 of Dhaka Test
Dhaka, May 10
Mehidy Hasan Miraz starred with a five-wicket haul as Bangladesh team secured a 34-run lead over Pakistan in the first Test of the series at Shere Bangla National Stadium on Sunday. Despite rain interruptions, Bangladesh got Pakistan all-out for 386 and reached 7/0 in their second innings before bad light forced an early Stumps on Day 3.
Pakistan began the day at 179/1 with batters with Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais at the crease, looking to overhaul Bangladesh's first-innings total of 413.
Soon after the day's start, Azan Awais brought up his maiden Test century on his international debut. However, he could only add three runs to his century as Bangladesh's Taskin Ahmed got rid of him not much later, breaking a 104-run partnership between Awais and Fazal for the second wicket.
Captain Shan Masood (9) could not contribute much either as he became Taskin's second victim of the day. After Masood's wicket Pakistan were 226/3.
From then on, Mehidy Hasan Miraz proved to be the undoing of the visitors' middle and lower order. He removed Saud Shakeel (0), and then went on to scalp the wicket of well-set Fazal, who got out after scoring 60 runs. After his wicket, Pakistan were 230/5.
Salman Agha (58) and Mohammad Rizwan (59) stitched together a 119-run partnership before Mehidy provided Bangladesh with another crucial breakthrough as he dismissed Rizwan.
Once the set batters were removed, the Pakistani tail struggled to cope with the turn and bounce. Mehidy finished with figures of 5 for 102, while Taijul Islam (2/46) provided excellent support, cleaning up the tail to bowl Pakistan out for 386.
After Pakistan were all-out, Bangladesh batters came out for the third innings but it lasted only 1.5 overs before the umpires called for the light meters and the light was deemed insufficient for play to continue.
With a 34-run lead and ten wickets in hand, Bangladesh will look to bat deep into Day 4 to set a target in excess of 250.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I'm really impressed by Bangladesh's bowling attack. Mehidy and Taijul are forming a deadly spin duo. Pakistan's batting looks shaky—losing 5 wickets for just 4 runs after a solid partnership is shocking. But credit to Azan Awais for his debut century; that's a special moment. Bangladesh should go for a big total tomorrow. #BANvsPAK
Great fightback from Bangladesh after Pakistan's solid start. Mehidy's five-wicket haul was the difference. The weather interruptions are frustrating, but that's Test cricket in the subcontinent. Bangladesh needs to bat positively on Day 4—setting a target of 300+ could put Pakistan under real pressure.
Honestly, Pakistan's middle-order collapse is disappointing. From 226/3 to 230/5 in a matter of overs is criminal in Test cricket. Mehidy bowled brilliantly, but credit also to Taskin for breaking the early partnership. Bangladesh should aim for 350-400 in the second innings to make it a match-winning lead. The pitch is turning, so spinners will be key in the fourth innings.
As a neutral Indian fan, this Test is perfectly poised. Bangladesh has a slight edge with a lead and 10 wickets in hand, but Pakistan's bowlers could strike back early. Mehidy's fifer was world-class; he's turning into a proper all-rounder. Hope Day 4 sees full play without rain interruptions! ☔
Mehidy Hasan Miraz is a gem for Bangladesh.
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