(Cricket news) After a formidable performance by Pakistan in the 1st test, Bangladesh will look to win the final match of the series. Being the hosts, Bangladesh have not yet won a single match in this tour as even a draw will deny Pakistan a perfect record and put Bangladesh in a better position. The second Test is scheduled to be held tomorrow and with the return of Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed will help the team in troubling the Pakistani batters.
Pakistan had openers play their role in the first test as they hit 140 plus run partnership in both the innings. Abid Ali scored a century in the first innings and then scored 90 runs in the second one, the second innings saw only two wickets falling as Pakistani batters chased the target in no time. The first innings saw the middle order fall without scoring as only Faheem Ashraf scored more than 15 runs, he scored 38 from 80 balls which was a timely knock. The team hasn’t announced its squad yet but no changes are expected from the side which looks to sweep the series in the second and final test.
Shaheen Afridi has been the top bowler this season overall as he is the joint highest wicket taker of the season along with Ravichandran Ashwin with 44 wickets in 8 matches. Shaheen took a five wicket haul in the second innings and Hasan Ali did the same in the 1st innings, Hasan Ali is the third highest wicket taker this season with 39 wickets in 7 matches.
Nauman Ali went wicketless in the first innings where he bowled 26 overs and in the second innings bowled 9 overs with the same result. Sajid Khan also took a wicket in the first innings and then took three in the second innings including the last wicket of Taijul Islam.
Liton Das was the highest scorer in both the innings as he scored a fighting century to balance the first innings and scored 59 in the second innings. The 27 year old along with Mushfiqur Rahim played an important role in the first innings when the score was 49-4 and got out when the score was 255. In the second innings, Das could not find adequate support as Yasir Ali was playing well until he was hit on the helmet by Shaheen and had to retire hurt. The openers need to add some runs as T20 batter Mohammad Naim will make his debut and will try to bring some composure into the batting line up. Saif Hassan will be missing the match due to typhoid.
Among the bowlers, Taijul Islam was a tornado in the 1st innings as he tore apart the Pakistani line up with a 7 wicket haul. With the inclusion of leading wicket taker of the side Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh will try to get the wickets of openers quickly as if they stay for too long then even if the middle order doesn’t fire as the runs have already come in. Taskin Ahmed will use his pace as Pakistani pacers were on target in both the innings, Ebadot Hossain will also give him company.
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