The opening Take a look at match of the Pakistan–Bangladesh sequence on the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium kicked off on Wednesday, with followers eagerly anticipating a gripping contest. Each groups have been trying to set up early dominance within the two-match sequence, but it surely was Bangladesh that seized management from the outset. The pitch, recognized for its help to bowlers early on, did no favors for Pakistan’s high order because the guests delivered a spirited bowling efficiency.
Pakistan endures horror begin
Pakistan’s begin to the primary Take a look at was nothing wanting a nightmare. After being put in to bat first by Bangladesh, the hosts discovered themselves in serious trouble, dropping three wickets throughout the first 50 deliveries of the match. Hasan Mahmud struck the preliminary blow, dismissing opener Abdullah Shafique for simply 2 runs off 14 balls. The Pakistani batting lineup continued to unravel as Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam took heart stage.
Shoriful wreaked havoc together with his quick and correct deliveries, eradicating each captain Shan Masood and former skipper Babar Azam in fast succession. The early strikes left Pakistan reeling, and the strain on the remaining batsmen intensified as they tried to get better from the early blows.
Shan Masood’s dismissal
Captain Masood’s dismissal within the seventh over added to Pakistan’s woes. Dealing with Shoriful, Masood tried to defend a ball that was wanting a size and nipped again in from outdoors off. The supply handed by the gate, seemingly grazing the bat, and was caught by wicketkeeper Litton Das. Bangladesh instantly appealed, however the on-field umpire sided with Pakistan, giving Masood the good thing about the doubt.
Nonetheless, Bangladesh opted for a evaluate, and the UltraEdge expertise confirmed a spike. The spike appeared when the ball hit Masood’s pads after passing the bat, however regardless of this, third umpire Michael Gough controversially dominated Masood out. The choice left the Pakistan captain visibly annoyed as he made his manner off the sector.
Additionally READ: PAK vs BAN: Followers mercilessly troll Babar Azam for his flop present with the bat on Day 1 of first Take a look at
Controversy and frustration
Masood was clearly sad with the choice, arguing aggressively with the on-field umpires earlier than leaving the sector. The controversy didn’t finish there, as Masood was later seen within the dressing room, reviewing the footage of his dismissal. He identified to his teammates the place the expertise appeared to have erred, additional fueling the frustration within the Pakistani camp.
The controversial determination sparked heated discussions amongst cricket followers and pundits alike, with many questioning the third umpire’s haste in making the decision. The incident highlighted the continuing challenges with the implementation of expertise in cricket and its affect on essential match moments.
Right here is the video:
Controversial determination of Shan Masood. What’s your opinion? #PAKvsBAN pic.twitter.com/HmlLwITi1g
— Usman Jamil (@thtpakistaniguy) August 21, 2024
Babar Azam falls for a duck
To compound Pakistan’s distress, Shoriful struck once more in his very subsequent over, dismissing former captain Babar for a two-ball duck. Babar tried to look a wanting a size supply down the leg facet, however the ball took a thick edge. Wicketkeeper Litton, who was having a superb day behind the stumps, pulled off a surprising one-handed diving catch to finish the dismissal.
Babar’s early exit was an enormous blow to Pakistan, leaving the workforce in disarray with three of their top-order batters again within the pavilion throughout the first hour of play. With Bangladesh on the entrance foot and Pakistan desperately needing a restoration, the opening Take a look at in Rawalpindi has already confirmed to be a stern take a look at of the hosts’ resilience.
