At the end of the second day of the Mirpur Test, Pakistan appeared to be in control. However, Bangladesh staged a strong comeback on the third day, turning the contest around through disciplined bowling and key breakthroughs. Bangladesh had earlier been dismissed for 413 in their first innings. In response, Pakistan were bowled out for 386, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz claiming a five-wicket haul. This gave Bangladesh a first-innings lead of 27 runs.
Pakistan resumed the third day on 179 for 1, having ended the second day in a strong position. On Sunday (10 May), 21-year-old Azaan reached his maiden Test century in 153 balls, marking his first innings hundred in international cricket. He went on to score 103 off 165 deliveries, striking 14 boundaries before being dismissed by Taskin Ahmed.
At the other end, fellow debutant Abdullah Fazal also reached his first Test fifty, bringing up the milestone in 101 balls. He eventually made 60 runs before falling to Mehidy Hasan Miraz, attempting an aerial shot towards mid-on where Taijul Islam completed the catch.
A significant phase of resistance followed as Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha constructed a 119-run partnership. Rizwan contributed 59 runs from 79 balls, including eight fours, before being dismissed when the team total stood at 349.
Shortly after Rizwan’s dismissal, rain interrupted play, leading to a temporary suspension of proceedings. When play resumed, Bangladesh quickly regained control. Salman Agha, who had earlier helped stabilise the innings, was dismissed for 58 runs after edging a delivery from Nahid Rana to slip, where Najmul Hossain Shanto completed the catch.
Following his departure, Pakistan’s lower order failed to offer meaningful resistance. The innings concluded at 386, handing Bangladesh a narrow but important lead.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of 5 for 102. Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam supported the effort effectively, taking two wickets each.
Pakistan First Innings Summary
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Dismissal | Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azaan | 103 | 165 | 14 | Caught | Taskin Ahmed |
| Abdullah Fazal | 60 | — | — | Caught | Mehidy Hasan Miraz |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 59 | 79 | 8 | Caught | — |
| Salman Agha | 58 | — | — | Caught | Nahid Rana |
Bangladesh Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Wickets | Runs Conceded |
|---|---|---|
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | 5 | 102 |
| Taskin Ahmed | 2 | — |
| Taijul Islam | 2 | — |
With this effort, Bangladesh converted a potentially difficult position into a first-innings advantage, setting up the Test for a closely contested remainder.