Mirazs Five-For Gives Bangladesh a 34-Run Lead

The Mirpur Test has turned into an intense battle between bat and ball. Bangladesh secured a narrow advantage after bowling Pakistan out in the first innings. At the end of the third day’s play, the hosts were 7 without loss in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 34 runs.

Replying to Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 413, Pakistan were all out for 386. That gave the home side a 27-run lead before starting their second innings. The Bangladeshi openers negotiated the final overs of the day carefully without losing a wicket.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the standout performer with the ball for Bangladesh. The off-spinner claimed five wickets for 102 runs, adding another five-wicket haul to his Test career. However, several Pakistani batters tested the Bangladesh bowlers throughout the innings. Azan Waiz scored a brilliant 103, while Abdullah Fazal made 60. Salman Ali Agha contributed 58, and Mohammad Rizwan added 59 runs.

Pakistan found themselves under pressure after losing a few quick wickets early in the day. Salman and Rizwan then steadied the innings with a composed partnership that gradually brought the visitors back into the contest. Their 119-run stand for the fifth wicket caused concern for the Bangladesh camp.

Bangladesh finally broke the crucial partnership before the tea break through Taijul Islam. Attempting a big shot, Rizwan stepped out of his crease and lofted the ball into the air. Mahmudul Hasan Joy completed a simple catch at mid-on to dismiss the wicketkeeper-batter, who scored 59 off 79 balls.