The first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh was anticipated as a high-stakes match, with both teams eager to set the tone early. The focus was particularly on Pakistan’s star batsman, Babar Azam, who has been in exceptional form leading up to this series. Fans and analysts alike expected Babar to anchor Pakistan’s innings and lead them to a strong position on Day 1. However, cricket is a game full of surprises, and what unfolded in the first session left the cricketing world in shock.
In a surprising turn of events, Babar Azam was dismissed for a silver duck, failing to score a single run in his brief time at the crease. The dismissal, which occurred in the very first session of the match, sent shockwaves through the Pakistani camp. It was not just the loss of a wicket, but the loss of a key player, that rattled the Pakistani team. This unexpected early blow put Pakistan on the back foot, forcing them to rethink their strategy for the remainder of the innings.
Babar Azam Duck in PAK vs SL Test Match
In the 8th over of the innings, Shoriful Islam, one of Bangladesh’s most promising young bowlers, delivered a well-executed back-of-a-length ball just outside the leg stump. Babar Azam, known for his sharp reflexes and precise shot selection, attempted to guide the ball towards the leg side. However, the ball barely touched his bat, and what followed was a display of extraordinary fielding. Litton Das, positioned at slip, was quick to react. With incredible speed and agility, he dived full length to his right and pulled off a sensational one-handed catch. This stunning effort not only removed Babar from the crease but also lifted the spirits of the Bangladeshi team.
This moment of brilliance from Litton Das highlighted the importance of fielding in cricket, where a single piece of athleticism can turn the tide of a match. Shoriful Islam, who bowled the delivery, deserved equal credit for setting up Babar’s dismissal with a smartly placed ball. Together, they managed to send back one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world, giving Bangladesh an early advantage in the match.
Itna Time Intzar kiya or Babar 0 Par Out Ho gya 💔💔#BabarAzam𓃵 #PAKvsBAN
— Moazam Chaudhary (@moazamch98) August 21, 2024
Pakistan’s Troubles Continue with Shan Masood’s Controversial Dismissal
Just before Babar Azam’s shocking exit, Pakistan faced another setback when their captain, Shan Masood, was controversially declared out. The incident occurred when Masood was just beginning to settle at the crease. The umpire’s decision was met with immediate discontent from Masood, who was visibly frustrated. He even engaged in a brief argument with the umpire before reluctantly walking back to the pavilion, having scored only six runs off 11 balls. This early loss added to Pakistan’s woes, as they struggled to find their footing in the match.
Shan Masood’s dismissal was not just a physical blow but also a psychological one for the Pakistani side. Losing their captain so early in the innings, and in such a contentious manner, undoubtedly affected the morale of the team. With two crucial wickets down, the pressure mounted on the remaining batsmen to stabilize the innings and steer Pakistan out of trouble.
Current Situation
At the time of writing, Pakistan’s score stands at 23/1, with Saud Shakeel and Saim Ayub at the crease. Both batsmen are relatively new to the international scene, and the responsibility of reviving Pakistan’s innings now rests on their shoulders. They will need to display immense composure and resilience to withstand the Bangladeshi bowling attack and build a solid partnership.
[Watch] Ishan Kishan hits back-to-back 6s to complete 100 against MP
The early dismissals of Babar Azam and Shan Masood have put Pakistan in a precarious position. The team will need to regroup quickly and focus on consolidating their innings to avoid further damage. The outcome of this match could hinge on how well Saud Shakeel and Saim Ayub handle the pressure and whether they can guide Pakistan to a competitive total.
