![PAK vs BAN [WATCH]: Abdullah Shafique goes packing by Taskin Ahmed’s beautiful inswinger on Day 2 of the 2nd Test](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Abdullah-Shafique-goes-packing-by-Taskin-Ahmeds-beautiful-inswinger-on-Day-2-of-the-2nd-Test.webp "PAK vs BAN [WATCH]: Abdullah Shafique goes packing by Taskin Ahmed’s beautiful inswinger on Day 2 of the 2nd Test")
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The second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium saw a dramatic start on Day 2, with the hosts losing their early wicket to a brilliant delivery from Taskin Ahmed.
After a rain-washed day one, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field on a green-tinged pitch, hoping to exploit Pakistan’s vulnerabilities against swing bowling. The decision proved to be a masterstroke as Taskin, making his comeback to the team, struck in the very first over.
Abdullah Shafique falls to Taskin Ahmed’s inswinger
Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique, who had been in impressive form in the series, was dismissed for a duck. Taskin, bowling a good-length delivery that shaped back into the right-hander, tempted Shafique into a forward prod. However, the batter’s bat came down at an angle, leaving a gap between bat and pad. The ball crashed into the top of off-stump, sending Shafique packing.
Taskin’s wicket was a significant blow to Pakistan, who were looking to bounce back from their defeat in the first Test. The early breakthrough boosted Bangladesh’s morale, and they continued to apply pressure on the Pakistan batting lineup.
Here’s the video:
Five going out. One comes In👌
Abdullah Shafique cleaned up on 0#PAKvBAN #TestOnHai #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/vEPGhmzg2w
— All Rounder's Den (ARD) (@AllRoundersDen) August 31, 2024
Also READ: Ahmad Shahzad blames PCB for Pakistan’s embarrassing 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test
Pakistan’s first inning struggles
Despite the early setback, Pakistan’s batting order is capable to establish a solid partnership. The pitch, with its generous amount of grass will continue to assist the bowlers, making it difficult for the batters to score runs freely.
Bangladesh’s dominant display
Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Taskin and the experienced Shakib al Hasan, will be looking to bowl in disciplined and accurate line and length. They consistently troubled the Pakistan batters, forcing them to play defensive shots and preventing them from scoring freely.
Pakistan’s fightback plan
As the day progresses, Pakistan’s batting order will indeed start showing some resilience, with Babar Azam and Shan Masood being the king pin in attempting to rebuild the innings. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers remain relentless, and Pakistan’s fightback will have a tough thing to establish after a shaky start on this track.
Pakistan are struggling to recover from their early setbacks. Bangladesh’s dominant performance has put them in a strong position to secure a series victory. The next session would be crucial for Pakistan, as they would need to bat responsibly and build a competitive total to stay in the contest.
