Bangladesh 262 and 42 need 143 more points to score 0 (Zakir 31*). Pakistan 274 and 172 (Aga 47*, Rizwan 43, Mahmood 5-43, Nahid 4-44)
But soon after that came Ayub’s loose drive and Bangladesh were back in the running. Taskin bowled a full outside off stump and Ayub drove up but found Najmul Hossain Shanto at mid-off. Babar Azam started with a square cut to Taskin but was far from his usual self. He missed a straight ball from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and was hit on the pad. Bangladesh reviewed the on-field decision that it was not out but replays showed the ball had missed leg stump.
Even when he wasn’t taking wickets, Nahid caused a lot of trouble. He bowled consistently at over 140 kmph and created awkward bounces with his high-arm action. He threatened both edges and even hit Rizwan’s helmet with a vicious bouncer. Rizwan was visibly shaken and called the physio several times, but he continued.
While Rizwan was still blurry and looking for quick runs, Bangladesh stuck to their plan to ensure there were no easy runs. Mahmood, who had not been so sharp in the first session, stuck to the outside channel of the off-stump. This resulted in a false shot from Rizwan, which he played away from the body and got a thin edge to the wicketkeeper. In the very next ball, Mahmood pushed Mohammad Ali to first slip.
A hat-trick was blocked, but Abrar Ahmed became Rana’s fourth victim after just 12 balls, and the scoreboard read 9-145. But the quick end to the innings was delayed by Agha, who added a crucial run in the lower order for the second time in the match. He stitched a 27-run stand with Mir Hamza before Mahmood took his fifth wicket. It came through the inside edge on the pad, and the ball was thrown to Mehidy, who dived forward and took a good catch. Mahmood bowed to the grass before lifting the ball high to lead his team.
Pakistan needed an early wicket, but their hopes were dashed by Zakir’s early move. He was aggressive with his footwork, often rushing at the bowler early. He beat Khurram Shahzad to long leg in the sixth over, then pulled him back for another six, and this time Bangladesh were 37 runs from six overs at tea time.
After the break, only one over was allowed before it became too dark to continue.
