Bangladesh’s senior batter, Mushfiqur Rahim, demonstrated patience, controlled aggression, and a compact technique during his monumental 11th Test hundred, his first against Pakistan, to seize the momentum in Bangladesh’s favor on the fourth day of the Bangladesh tour of Pakistan.
Supported by No. 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored a vital half-century, Bangladesh took a significant lead, swinging the balance of the game and placing pressure squarely on the hosts.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s Heroics in Rawalpindi
Mushfiqur Rahim was the standout performer in Bangladesh’s innings, crafting an impressive 191 runs. His knock, characterized by resilience and tactical finesse, was pivotal in ensuring Bangladesh secured a 117-run lead against Pakistan.
His ability to adapt to the match situation, changing gears when required, was instrumental in frustrating the Pakistani bowlers and fans alike. This stellar performance was a key highlight of the ongoing Bangladesh tour of Pakistan.
Starting the day at 316 for 5, Bangladesh was trailing by 132 runs. Mushfiqur’s calm demeanor at the crease stabilized the innings, offering hope for a Bangladesh lead. His two-century partnerships effectively nullified any early optimism Pakistan had for taking a first-innings lead.
His innings, filled with elegant drives and precise cuts, was a masterclass in Test match batting, combining both defensive solidity and offensive capability.
The Role of Mehidy Hasan Miraz in Bangladesh’s Dominance
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, coming in at number 8, provided much-needed support to Mushfiqur Rahim. Mehidy’s seventh Test fifty, and only his second outside Bangladesh, was a showcase of determination.
His 196-run partnership with Mushfiqur for the seventh wicket not only helped Bangladesh surpass Pakistan’s total but also demoralized the Pakistani attack. This stand was crucial as it took the visitors from a precarious position to one of dominance, reinforcing the strength of the Bangladesh tour of Pakistan.
While Mushfiqur anchored the innings, Mehidy played his part by taking calculated risks, punishing the loose deliveries, and keeping the scoreboard ticking. His contribution ensured that the pressure was consistently on the Pakistani bowlers, who struggled to find breakthroughs in the intense heat and humidity of Rawalpindi.
A Day of Record-Breaking Performances
Several records were broken during this stellar partnership. Mushfiqur Rahim’s score of 191 not only marked his highest score against Pakistan but also positioned him as the top-scorer for Bangladesh in away Tests, surpassing Tamim Iqbal. This performance underlined Mushfiqur’s importance to the Bangladesh team, especially in challenging overseas conditions.
The Mushfiqur-Mehidy stand was one of the highest partnerships for the seventh wicket for Bangladesh, and it was this mammoth effort that essentially batted Pakistan out of the game. Pakistan’s bowlers, having already toiled for over 100 overs in sweltering conditions, were visibly fatigued.
Despite the efforts of Mohammad Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi, the Pakistani attack could not break through the Bangladeshi defenses during the critical periods of play, highlighting the competitive edge in this Bangladesh tour of Pakistan.
Mushfiqur’s Milestones and a Key Turning Point
Mushfiqur’s innings were not without drama. On 59, he survived an lbw decision thanks to a successful review, which showed the ball missing leg stump. This moment turned out to be pivotal, as Mushfiqur capitalized on his second chance, piling on runs and pushing Pakistan on the back foot.
In the latter stages of his innings, Mushfiqur offered a couple of chances. On 126, a shot to square leg off Agha Salman fell just short of Saud Shakeel. Later, after crossing 150, Mushfiqur was dropped by Babar Azam at leg slip. These missed opportunities proved costly for Pakistan, as Mushfiqur continued to build his innings, inching closer to a double century.
Late Contributions and Pakistan’s Relief
After Mushfiqur’s dismissal by Mohammad Ali in the final session, Shoriful Islam provided a brief cameo, scoring 22 off 14 balls, which helped Bangladesh push the total to 565. Despite Afridi’s late burst, taking two of the last three wickets, Bangladesh had already ensured a substantial first-innings lead.
The last four wickets fell for just 37 runs, offering Pakistan a glimmer of hope after a wicketless second session. However, by then, the damage was done. Bangladesh had piled up a formidable score, aided by a lack of assistance from the pitch and the absence of a frontline spinner in the Pakistani side.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s Tactical Prowess and Bangladesh’s Strategic Approach to the Game
Mushfiqur’s tactical acumen was evident as he adapted his approach based on the match situation. He began the day with caution, assessing the pitch and Pakistan’s bowling strategies before accelerating his scoring rate.
His move to take on the spinners just before lunch marked a shift in momentum. By employing his sweeps and deft placement, Mushfiqur reached his century, triggering animated celebrations.
Post-lunch, Mushfiqur focused on consolidating the innings, playing the ball late, and under his eyes. He and Mehidy systematically dismantled Pakistan’s bowling, handling the short-ball ploy from Ali with composure.
This phase of play effectively shut Pakistan out of the game, as they could not take advantage of the second new ball under the hot and humid conditions.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s Solid Support Role
While Mushfiqur Rahim was undoubtedly the protagonist, Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s role was equally critical. His defensive play provided the perfect foil to Mushfiqur’s aggressive stroke play. Mehidy’s assurance at the crease after lunch was noteworthy. He absorbed the pressure and allowed Mushfiqur to focus on playing his natural game.
The synergy between the two batters was evident, as they rotated the strike effectively and punished the bad balls. Mehidy’s confidence grew with each passing over, culminating in a well-deserved half-century, which he reached just before tea. His innings not only added crucial runs but also drained the energy and morale of the Pakistani bowlers.
For a detailed scorecard of the Pakistan vs. Bangladesh first test match on day 4, visit the official ICC page.
The Heat Takes a Toll on Pakistan’s Bowling Attack
The Pakistani bowling attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Ali, faced a tough day on the field. The intense heat, coupled with the flat nature of the pitch, made it a challenging day for the bowlers. Pakistan’s lack of a quality spinner to exploit the conditions became apparent as Mushfiqur and Mehidy settled in.
Agha Salman, who bowled a marathon 16-over spell post-lunch, managed to keep the runs in check but could not find the breakthrough Pakistan desperately needed. Despite their best efforts, the Pakistani bowlers found themselves overpowered by the tenacity and skill of the Bangladeshi batsmen.
Turning the Game in Bangladesh’s Favor
With a lead of 117 runs and Pakistan set to bat again, Bangladesh had a psychological advantage heading into the final day. Mushfiqur’s innings, along with the support from Mehidy, not only shifted the balance of the match but also put Bangladesh in a commanding position to dictate terms.
The lead provided Bangladesh with a cushion, allowing them to set aggressive field placements and bowl with attacking intent. The challenge for Pakistan would be to survive the final day and avoid a defeat, as Bangladesh’s bowlers, energized by their batsmen’s performances, would look to exploit the favorable conditions.
Familiarize yourself with the squads of both teams by visiting our squads page.
Conclusion and Outlook for the Final Day
As the Rawalpindi Test entered its final phase, Bangladesh found themselves in the driver’s seat, thanks to Mushfiqur Rahim’s masterful innings and the supporting act by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Their partnership not only nullified Pakistan’s early advantage but also set the stage for a potential Bangladesh victory. With a lead of 117 runs, Bangladesh would aim to wrap up the match on the final day, putting pressure on Pakistan’s batting line-up.
In this Test match, partnerships and experience in Test cricket demonstrated their crucial significance, providing a testament to their value. Mushfiqur’s calmness and Mehidy’s resilience showcased the depth of talent in the Bangladesh squad, signaling a strong intent as they continued their journey in the ICC World Test Championship.
Bangladesh’s performance in this Test match is a clear indicator of their growing confidence in playing overseas, and it sends a message to other teams in the championship.
The ability to dominate in tough conditions and against quality opposition highlights Bangladesh’s evolution as a competitive Test side.
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