On Friday (August 23), Day 3 of the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh unfolded at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium with pivotal performances and crucial breakthroughs. Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad took center stage with a remarkable delivery that dismissed Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Khurram Shahzad’s masterful delivery

Shahzad delivered a game-changing ball to dismiss Shanto on the final ball of the 27th over. Shahzad, operating from around the wicket, unleashed a sharply angling, good-length delivery that caught Shanto off guard. The left-handed batter attempted to play a defensive shot but missed completely as the ball thundered into the top of the off-stump. Shanto, who managed just 16 runs off 42 balls with two boundaries, was undone by the precision and movement of Shahzad’s delivery. This dismissal marked Shahzad’s first Test wicket at home, leaving Bangladesh at 53/2 at the end of the 27th over.

Here’s the video:

The stumps are rattled! ⚡

Khurram Shahzad takes his first wicket at home 🙌#PAKvBAN | #TestOnHai pic.twitter.com/bF6VNLgxL2

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 23, 2024

Also WATCH: PAK vs BAN: Mohammad Rizwan grabs a screamer to dismiss Zakir Hasan on Day 3 of the first Test

Pakistan’s strong first innings

Bangladesh, after winning the toss and opting to bowl, initially put Pakistan under pressure, reducing them to a precarious 16-3. Shoriful Islam was instrumental in this early success, claiming the key wickets of Shan Masood for 6 and Babar Azam for a duck. Despite this early setback, Saim Ayub provided valuable resistance with a solid 56 off 98 balls.

The turning point came with a monumental partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, who combined for a formidable 240-run stand from 386 balls. Shakeel scored 141 off 261 balls, including nine boundaries, while Rizwan remained unbeaten on 171 off 239 balls, with 11 boundaries and three sixes. Pakistan declared their innings at 448-6 after 113 overs. Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud each took two wickets for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s response and fightback

In their innings, Bangladesh’s openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan forged a steady start, accumulating a 31-run partnership. Their initial resistance was disrupted when Zakir fell to a well-executed delivery from Naseem Shah, scoring 12 runs. This dismissal was followed by another significant breakthrough when Shahzad struck to dismiss captain Shanto.

As the teams broke for lunch, Bangladesh was positioned at 134 for 2 after 35 overs. Islam had anchored the innings with a solid 53, while Mominul Haque was contributing significantly with an unbeaten 45. Despite this promising partnership, the visitors were still trailing by 314 runs, underlining the challenge they faced in closing the deficit.

Also READ: PAK vs BAN 2024, Test series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and Where to watch in Pakistan, USA and Bangladesh

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