Shadman and Mominul's 94-run stand rescues Bangladesh after early wobbles

Opening batter Shadman Islam fell short in the nervous nineties, but his innings played a crucial role in guiding his team to a strong position at 316 for five by the end of the third day's play in the first Test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This was in response to Pakistan's 448 for six declared.

Shadman was bowled out by fast bowler Mohammad Ali after a stylish and well-crafted 93 when Bangladesh was at 199 for four. However, an unbroken 98-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Mushfiqur Rahim (55) and Litton Das (52) reduced the first innings deficit to 132 runs with five wickets in hand.

Mushfiqur's 122-ball innings included seven fours, while Litton struck eight fours and a six in his 58-ball stay. The pair capitalized on Pakistan's tiring bowlers in the extended final session, adding 117 runs in 26 overs with some elegant strokes.

Shadman, who had previously played in two Bangladesh 'A' vs. Pakistan Shaheens four-day matches in Darwin, Australia, faced 183 balls and hit 12 fours. This was his third half-century in his 14th Test match.

Bangladesh began their first innings at 27 without loss and stumbled to 53 for two before Shadman and Mominul Haque stabilized the innings with a 94-run stand for the third wicket. Mominul scored 50 off 76 balls with five fours before Khurram Shahzad bowled him, finishing the day with figures of two for 47.

Pakistan's bowlers labored on a hot day on a pitch that offered less assistance than on the first day. Of the 92 overs Bangladesh has faced so far, Pakistan's spinners bowled 20, with Saim Ayub taking a wicket in his debut over in Test cricket by dismissing Shakib Al Hasan (15).

Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been the most expensive in Bangladesh's first innings so far, with figures of 20-4-77-1. Shaheen Shah Afridi remained wicketless with figures of 18-3-55-0, while Mohammad Ali returned with figures of 15-2-42-1.