PAK vs BAN first Test: Shadman Islam anchors Bangladesh’s good show on day 3

Bangladesh tour of Pakistan: Pakistan vs Bangladesh first Test in Rawalpindi on August 23, 2024 day 3

Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam missed a fighting hundred by just seven runs but still guided Bangladesh to an impressive 316-5 at close on day three of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Friday (August 23, 2024).

The left-hander scored a patient 183-ball 93 to keep the visitors’ chances of fighting out for a draw or pulling off a first-ever win over Pakistan in 14th Test match between the two oppositions.

At close, veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim was 55 not out while Litton Das was 52 not out to further Bangladesh’s progress, having added a solid 98 runs for the unfinished sixth wicket stand.

Bangladesh trail Pakistan’s total of 448-6 declared by 132 runs with five wickets in hand as Rawalpindi stadium pitch proved unresponsive to bowlers -- nearly quashing Pakistan’s hopes of a big lead.

Rahim hit Shaheen Shah Afridi for his seventh boundary to reach his 28th Test half-century. Das also completed fifty with three boundaries and a six in one Naseem Shah’s over after Pakistan took the second new ball.

But Bangladesh’s resistance was led by Shadman.

The 29-year-old left-hander was defiant and approaching his second hundred just before tea but was bowled by a sharp delivery from Pakistan pacer Mohammad Ali in the last over before tea.