![PAK vs BAN [WATCH]: Zakir Hasan takes spectacular mid-air catch to remove Abdullah Shafique on Day 1 of first Test](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Zakir-Hasan-and-Abdullah-Shafique.webp "PAK vs BAN [WATCH]: Zakir Hasan takes spectacular mid-air catch to remove Abdullah Shafique on Day 1 of first Test")
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Bangladesh got off to a brilliant start in the opening Test of the two-match series against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (August 21). Zakir Hasan took a sensational catch to dismiss Abdullah Shafique, handing the visitors an early advantage. Following a delay due to a wet outfield, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid off almost immediately.
Abdullah Shafique’s early departure
The crucial dismissal occurred on the third ball of the fourth over. Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud, bowling with precision, delivered a well-directed outswinger outside the off-stump. Shafique, attempting a drive, only managed to edge the ball thickly. Hasan, positioned at fifth slip, displayed excellent reflexes and athleticism, diving mid-air to complete a spectacular catch. This early wicket left Pakistan struggling at 3/1 after 3.3 overs. Shafique’s brief stint at the crease saw him scoring only two runs off 14 balls, unable to provide the solid start Pakistan needed. His early departure put additional pressure on the rest of the batting lineup.
Here’s the video:
Zakir Hasan’s stunning catch to dismiss Abdullah Shafique #PAKvsBAN pic.twitter.com/OKUZFuMg2I
— Usman Jamil (@thtpakistaniguy) August 21, 2024
Also READ: PAK vs BAN: ‘Aur inko champions trophy host krni hai…’: Fans roast PCB for poor outfield conditions on Day 1 of the Rawalpindi Test
Bangladesh’s bowlers capitalize on early success
Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Mahmud, continued to put Pakistan under pressure. The early dismissal of Shafique was just the beginning, as a couple of overs later, Pakistan lost their captain, Shan Masood, who was dismissed for six runs off 11 balls. Shoriful Islam, another key bowler for Bangladesh, was responsible for this dismissal, and he quickly followed it up by removing former Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam for a two-ball duck.
By the end of the 8th over, Pakistan was reeling at 16/3, with their top order in disarray. The dismissals of Masood and Babar further compounded Pakistan’s troubles, as the hosts struggled to find stability against Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack.
Pakistan’s struggle at Tea
As the teams headed into the tea break, Pakistan found themselves in a precarious position at 81/3 after nine overs. Vice-captain Saud Shakeel and young Saim Ayub were at the crease, tasked with the challenging job of rebuilding the innings. With Bangladesh’s bowlers in full control and the Rawalpindi pitch offering assistance, Pakistan faces an uphill battle to recover from the early damage inflicted by the visitors.
