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In a gripping moment on Day 3 of the 1st Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, Khurram Shahzad produced a piece of magic that left Bangladeshi batter Mominul Haque stunned.
Shahzad, Pakistan’s emerging pace sensation, bowled an absolute beauty in the 52nd over of Bangladesh’s first innings, knocking over Mominul for 50. What followed was a wild celebration, with Shahzad letting out an intense roar, inches away from Mominul’s face—a fierce display of emotion after taking a crucial wicket.
Khurram Shahzad dismisses Mominul Haque with a peach of a delivery
Mominul, who had just reached a fighting half-century, had been holding Bangladesh’s innings together after a string of early dismissals. Facing ‘s Shahzad fiery delivery—a nip-backer from around the wicket—the left-hander attempted to defend but misjudged the movement of the ball. The delivery darted in sharply, beating Mominul’s inside edge and crashing into the stumps.
Here is the video:
And again! 🔥
Carbon copy of the previous dismissal, Khurram Shahzad shines 💫#PAKvBAN | #TestOnHai pic.twitter.com/OtB8VecJfm
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 23, 2024
It was a near-identical ball to the one that had earlier removed Najmul Hossain Shanto, with Shahzad displaying remarkable consistency in his bowling. Mominul walked off the field with a score of 50 off 76 balls, including five boundaries, but the sight of his shattered stumps and Shahzad’s aggressive celebration told the tale of Pakistan’s growing dominance, His two crucial wickets helped Pakistan tighten their grip on the match as Bangladesh struggled to gain momentum.
Also WATCH: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan shares a heartwarming moment after Pakistan’s dominant display against Bangladesh on Day 2 of first Test
Shahzad’s double blow piles pressure on Bangladesh
Apart from Mominul, only one other Bangladesh batter managed to contribute significantly to the scoreboard—opener Shadman Islam. Islam played a resolute innings of 93 off 183 deliveries, striking 12 fours, but fell just short of what would have been a well-deserved century. With the rest of the batting lineup struggling against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack, Bangladesh found themselves under considerable pressure.
Earlier in the day, Shahzad had already made an impact by dismissing Bangladesh’s skipper, Najmul, who managed only 16 runs. This wicket, combined with the dismissal of Mominul, put Bangladesh under immense pressure as their middle order failed to contribute significantly, his two crucial wickets helped Pakistan tighten their grip on the match as Bangladesh struggled to gain momentum.
Pakistan dominate Bangladesh bowlers
Pakistan, having already posted a formidable 448/6 declared in their first innings, were well in control of the match. The foundation for their strong total was laid by brilliant centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel. Rizwan’s unbeaten knock of 171 off 239 balls, studded with 11 fours and 3 sixes, was the highlight of Pakistan’s innings, showcasing his ability to anchor and accelerate when needed. Shakeel complemented him perfectly with a composed 141 off 261 deliveries, ensuring Pakistan’s dominance in the match.
As the Test match heads into its latter stages, Pakistan’s commanding position—thanks to their impressive batting and Shahzad’s fiery bowling—has placed them in the driver’s seat. Bangladesh’s hopes now hinge on their lower order to resist Pakistan’s relentless bowling attack and somehow force the game into a more competitive territory. However, with Shahzad and company in top form, Pakistan will be looking to press home their advantage and secure a comprehensive victory.