Saim and Saud shine with fifties as Pakistan bounce back on day one against Bangladesh

Pakistan's batting lineup faced a challenging start on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, but gritty half-centuries from Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel helped the hosts recover to 158-4 by stumps.

The start of the match was delayed due to a wet outfield, resulting in no play during the morning session. Bangladesh, having opted to bowl first in the afternoon, took full advantage of the conditions by reducing Pakistan to a precarious 16-3 in just 8.2 overs.

Hasan Mahmud drew first blood for the visitors, dismissing Abdullah Shafique for just 9 runs, caught in the gully in the fourth over. Pakistan's top-order woes continued as skipper Shan Masood (6) and star batter Babar Azam (0) fell in quick succession to Shoriful Islam. Litton Das was instrumental in the field, taking two catches to send Pakistan's captain and vice-captain back to the pavilion.

With Pakistan in deep trouble, Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel steadied the innings with a crucial 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The duo played with determination, successfully navigating the Bangladeshi attack through the latter part of the afternoon session and into the evening.

Saim, who looked composed throughout his innings, reached his maiden Test half-century before falling for 56 off 98 balls. His innings featured four boundaries and a six before an edge off Hasan Mahmud was safely caught by Mehidy Hasan Miraz at slip in the 32nd over.

“Bangladesh bowled really well in the beginning. It was not easy for us and their bowlers did not give us enough margins. We had to wait for the tempo to be in our favour and then made a comeback,” Saim said in the press conference after the day's play.

“We can’t take red-ball cricket lightly. We only tried to build our partnership. New batters will find it tough to adjust in these conditions. But ours and other partnerships will be key for us in the match,” Saim added.

Saud Shakeel, who remained unbeaten on 57 off 92 deliveries, showed excellent temperament and technique. He, along with Mohammad Rizwan (24 not out), ensured that Pakistan ended the day without further loss, adding an unbeaten 44-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud were the pick of the bowlers, each claiming two wickets. Pakistan will resume their innings on day two with Saud and Rizwan looking to build on the foundation laid by the middle order.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan 158-4, 41 overs (Saud Shakeel 57 not out, Saim Ayub 56, Mohammad Rizwan 24 not out; Shoriful Islam 2-30, Hasan Mahmud 2-33)