Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad has hailed the national team’s strong response on the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh, highlighting the debutants’ improved discipline, sharp tactics and encouraging performance after a tough opening day.
Taking to social media platform ‘X’, Shehzad acknowledged Pakistan’s struggles after conceding 413 runs on day one, but credited the team’s fightback on day two.
“Conceding 413 runs on Day 1 put Pakistan under pressure, but the comeback on Day 2 was impressive. The players looked confident, disciplined and very clear with their plans on the field,” Shehzad said.
“Short-ball tactics with silly mid-off and silly mid-on placements finally brought victory to Pakistan, which was completely missing on Day 1. After that, the batting performance was excellent,” he added.
He praised debutants Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal, who both made a positive impact at the top of the order.
“Debuter Azan Awais has been absolutely impressive so far. His footwork, temperament and overall game awareness have looked top quality. I hope he can turn this great start into a big century. Abdullah Fazal has also looked solid,” he said.
Reflecting on the wider challenge, the 34-year-old emphasized the importance of building on the first innings total.
“With 413 runs already, Bangladesh have not lost a match after scoring 400+ runs, which will be the biggest challenge for Pakistan. It is equally important for the lower-order batsmen to take advantage of this strong start to push the total past 600 so Pakistan can avoid batting again,” he noted.
He further warned that failure to take a substantial lead could expose Pakistan to a difficult fourth innings scenario.
“If Pakistan bat again, it will most likely be in the fourth innings and the ball will be a bit short even now. If Pakistan fail to take the lead or bowl with a small lead, the fourth innings will be very difficult. To avoid that situation, Pakistan need a big total and a solid lead in this innings. All the best,” he concluded.
On the field, Azan Awais marked a memorable debut with a half-century to help Pakistan recover strongly on the second day of the opening Test.
In the end, Pakistan reached 179-1 in 46 overs, still 234 runs behind. Awais remained unbeaten on 85 while Abdullah Fazal remained unbeaten on 37 as the visitors cemented their position.
Earlier, openers Imam-ul-Haq and Awais gave Pakistan a steady start, reaching 50 for no loss at tea in 10 overs, with Imam 28 and Awais 18, still trailing by 363 runs at that stage.
The pair then accelerated in the final session, bringing up a century opening stand as Awais reached his maiden Test fifty.
However, Mehdi Hasan Miraz dismissed Imam-ul-Haq for 45 off 72 balls as Pakistan were bowled out for 106-1.
Abdullah Fazal then played a supporting role alongside Awais, spinning the strike effectively and helping Pakistan pass the 150 mark.
Earlier, Mohammad Abbas took a five-wicket haul of Pakistan’s bowling as Bangladesh were bowled out for 413 in 118 overs.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shando top-scored with 101 off 130 balls and Mominul Haq with 91 off 200 balls.
After lunch on the second day, Shaheen Afridi dismissed Mushfiqur Rahim for 71 runs to complete a resilient innings and help Pakistan end the Bangladesh innings.
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