Rizwan hits career-best 171 as Pakistan declares at 448 for 6 against Bangladesh

A 240-run fifth-wicket stand between Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel put Pakistan in a commanding position against Bangladesh in the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Rizwan, who began the second day’s play on 24 in Pakistan’s 158 for four, ended unbeaten on a career-best 171. Saud, who resumed at 57, was dismissed for 141 as Pakistan declared their first innings at 448 for six. At the close of play on an extended day, Bangladesh was 27 for no loss after 12 overs.

Both Rizwan (31st Test century) and Saud (11th Test century) scored their third centuries at this venue, tormenting the Bangladesh bowlers on a pitch still favoring fast bowlers. Rizwan, with his previous best against South Africa, scored his second century at this ground, having previously scored his third in Karachi against Australia. Saud's century at Rawalpindi was his first, with his previous two coming in Karachi (125 not out) and Galle (208 not out).

Rizwan’s 239-ball innings featured 11 fours and three sixes, while Saud hit nine fours in his 261-ball knock. Rizwan was dropped twice, and Saud narrowly avoided a run-out before being stumped off Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who claimed his third wicket of the innings with wicket-keeper Litton Das.

Following the 240-run fifth-wicket partnership, Rizwan added 44 runs for the sixth wicket with Salman Ali Agha (19) and an unbroken 50 runs for the seventh wicket with Shaheen Shah Afridi, who contributed 29 not out off 24 balls, including a four and two sixes.

Neither Hasan Mahmud nor Shoriful Islam took any wickets on the second day, during which Pakistan scored 290 runs in 72 overs. Hasan finished with two for 70, and Shoriful ended with two for 77.