It was another half-century from a batter and two came good with the ball as Bangladesh put Pakistan under pressure in the opening Test of the series in Mirpur (Dhaka). Hosts displayed more discipline through the sessions and capitalised on key moments, taking control against an inconsistent Pakistan side.
Bangladesh’s batting unit lent vital middle-order stands after they had won critical passages of play. With multiple batters contributing valuable runs instead of the team relying on one massive innings, the group has found a way out of adversity, posting totals that have held up in order to win. The surface at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium helped with bowlers throughout the match, so it would be very vital for batsmen to bat patiently.
Pakistan’s bowlers identified a number of gaps, but failed to exert pressure over an extended period to halt Bangladesh from amassing important runs. There were far too many natural deliveries and free chances as the home side stretched partnerships which in the end proved important within the match.
The disciplined bowling of Bangladesh’s bowlers then pushed the match even more towards their favour. With Indian pacers in perfect harmony with their spin attack, they kept the pressure on Pakistan’s batting line-up with tight lines and variations. It became increasingly hard for stroke-making and the pitch was complemented by some brilliant hitting from Bangladesh.
The Pakistani top order struggled to make a stand losing their wickets at crucial junctures and exposing the middle order to do the rescue. And as some batters tried to hold things together with patient knocks, Bangladesh’s bowlers continued to strike at regular intervals to ensure there was no substantial partnership going.
The match also reflected the growing confidence of Bangladesh on home soil. The spinners were able to extract turn and bounce from the surface while their seamers chipped in with disciplined spells at vital junctures. Pakistan, on the other hand, were without any real momentum and though they managed some fightbacks in big parts of each session, they never looked like taking control of an extended phase during the game.
A flat pitch made batting easier as the Test wore on, but Bangladesh had proved the more competent in pressure, remaining rigidly. Pakistan had no answers on how to cope with their batting and bowling while they firmed their grip, as the standards of their fielding improved further supplemented by some tactics.
Bangladesh made a statement that they are here to compete in Test cricket as they headed into the final stages of a tense finish to the series opener. For Pakistan, however, it would be a real turnaround and the last thing they want to do is fall behind in the series
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