Rain Halts Mirpur Test Following Rizwan’s Dismissal

The third day of the Mirpur Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan reached a premature conclusion as inclement weather forced an early tea break and subsequent suspension of play. At the time of the stoppage, Pakistan reached 349 for 6 after 89.4 overs, trailing Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 413 by 64 runs. The rain arrived immediately following the dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan, who had stabilised the Pakistani innings after a significant middle-order collapse.

Middle-Order Stabilisation and Rizwan’s Exit

Pakistan’s pursuit of the Bangladeshi total was significantly bolstered by a resilient sixth-wicket partnership between Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan. Joining forces with the score at a precarious 230 for 5, the duo added 119 runs off 157 deliveries to steer the visitors toward safety.

Salman Ali Agha reached his 11th Test half-century off 78 deliveries, while Rizwan adopted a more aggressive approach, compiling his 13th career fifty in just 68 balls. The partnership was eventually broken in the 90th over by Taijul Islam. Attempting to loft a delivery over the infield, Rizwan miscalculated the shot, resulting in a catch for Mahmudul Hasan Joy. Rizwan departed for 59 runs off 79 balls.

Morning Session Dominance by Bangladesh

The first session of the third day belonged to the Bangladeshi bowling attack. Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz shared four wickets, conceding only 72 runs across 25 overs. Taskin initiated the breakthrough by dismissing centurion Azan Awais for 104, a wicket that marked Taskin’s 50th dismissal in Test cricket. Shortly thereafter, Taskin removed Pakistani captain Shan Masood (9), who was caught by Shadman Islam.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz continued the momentum by dismissing Saud Shakeel for a four-ball duck via an LBW decision that was upheld upon review. Miraz then accounted for Abdullah Fazal to leave Pakistan struggling at 251 for 5 at the lunch interval.

Statistical Summary of Play

Background: Second Day Recap

Bangladesh had initially posted 413, anchored by Mushfiqur Rahim’s record-breaking 71 on his 39th birthday and a late-innings cameo of 28 from Taskin Ahmed. In response, Pakistan’s openers Azan Awais and Imam-ul-Haq provided a century stand of 106 before Miraz dismissed Imam for 45.

Azan Awais remained the standout performer for the visitors, becoming the 14th Pakistani batsman to score a century on Test debut, reaching the milestone in 153 balls. Despite his efforts, the match remains finely balanced as play awaits a resumption, with Salman Ali Agha remaining the key figure for Pakistan as they look to erase the remaining 64-run deficit.