On Day 5 of the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh at Rawalpindi, Mir Hamza made a critical impact with the ball, dismissing Bangladesh’s opener Zakir Hasan with a brilliant delivery.
Mir Hamza’s game-changing delivery
As Bangladesh resumed their innings at 42/0, they were in a solid position to chase down the 185-run target. However, Hamza’s breakthrough came at a crucial moment on the third ball of the 13th over. He delivered a well-placed good-length ball that nipped away from the batter. Zakir, who had been in fine form with 40 off 39 balls, attempted a drive off the front foot but misjudged the line. The ball beat him and knocked back his off-stump. This dismissal was pivotal for Pakistan, disrupting a promising opening partnership and giving them a crucial advantage in the match.
Here’s the video:
@mirhamza_k Strikes for Pakistan 🙌#cricket #PAKvBAN #mirhamza pic.twitter.com/05BieDl5qP
— Aman (@Amanriz78249871) September 3, 2024
Also READ: PAK vs BAN: Salman Butt pinpoints two key reasons behind Babar Azam’s batting struggles
Pakistan’s first innings and Bangladesh’s response
Earlier in the match, Pakistan posted 274 runs in their first innings. Saim Ayub was the top scorer with 58 runs, while Shan Masood added 57 runs. Other significant contributions came from Salman Agha, who scored 54, and Mohammad Rizwan with 29. The innings were bolstered by contributions from lower-order batter, setting a competitive total.
In response, Bangladesh’s Litton Das played a commanding innings of 138 runs, supported by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored 78. Despite these efforts, Bangladesh struggled with crucial wicket losses, preventing them from building a more substantial lead. Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad delivered a standout performance, taking six wickets, with Hamza adding two more to restrict Bangladesh to 262 runs.
Fight back from Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha
In their second innings, Pakistan scored 172 runs. Rizwan was a key contributor with 43 runs, while Agha remained unbeaten on 47. The innings faced strong resistance from Bangladesh’s bowlers, particularly Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana, who took vital wickets and maintained a tight run rate.
As Bangladesh pursues the target of 185 runs, they are currently at over 70 overs with nine wickets still in hand. Hasan’s dismissal was a significant setback, leaving Shadman Islam and Najmul Hossain Shanto to carry one the chase. With more than 100 runs still needed, Bangladesh faces a challenging task to maintain a steady run rate and secure victory, making the contest intensely competitive as it progresses.
Also WATCH: Litton Das stuns Pakistan with a stunning century on Day 3 of the second PAK vs BAN Test</h3
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