Mehidy five-for edges Bangladesh ahead after Awais ton
Pakistan fought back strongly through debutant Azan Awais on day three of the first Test in Mirpur, but Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s five-wicket haul ensured Bangladesh secured a narrow 27-run first-innings lead before bad light ended play early.
After Pakistan were bowled out for 386 in reply to Bangladesh’s 413, the hosts reached 7 without loss in 1.5 overs in their second innings, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam unbeaten at the crease.
The third day belonged largely to Pakistan’s young batters, particularly Azan Awais, whose composed century on debut highlighted a spirited recovery before Bangladesh’s bowlers triggered a decisive collapse.
Azan Awais anchors Pakistan recovery
Azan Awais produced a memorable innings of 103 in only his debut Test, combining fluency through both sides of the wicket with impressive composure against Bangladesh’s spin attack.
The left-handed opener first added 106 runs alongside Imam-ul-Haq before stitching together another century partnership worth 104 with fellow debutant Abdullah Fazal. The pair became only the third debutant duo from Pakistan to register a century stand in Test cricket.
Awais looked increasingly assured as the innings developed, regularly finding gaps through the off side while also working the ball confidently on the leg side. His knock gave Pakistan control for large parts of the morning session and placed Bangladesh under pressure after their commanding first-innings total.
Bangladesh strike back before lunch
The key moment arrived immediately after Awais’ dismissal, when Pakistan’s innings unravelled rapidly.
Taskin Ahmed removed Awais at first slip to claim his 50th Test wicket before dismissing Shan Masood for 9, caught at point. Mehidy Hasan Miraz then turned the game sharply back in Bangladesh’s favour.
Saud Shakeel fell lbw for a duck, while Abdullah Fazal’s solid innings ended when he miscued an uppish shot towards mid-on, where Taijul Islam completed the catch comfortably.
Pakistan had looked firmly placed at 210 for 1, but the collapse reduced them to 230 for 5 shortly before lunch.
Fazal’s contribution of 45 from 120 balls included seven fours and a six, with the youngster playing an important supporting role alongside Awais during Pakistan’s strongest phase of the innings.
Rizwan and Salman steady the innings
Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha rebuilt Pakistan’s innings through a valuable middle-order partnership that kept the visitors within touching distance of Bangladesh’s total.
The pair struck 15 boundaries between them while batting with greater caution after the collapse. Rizwan completed his half-century before falling shortly before tea when he attempted to attack Taijul Islam, only to find Mahmudul Hasan Joy at mid-off.
Rain then interrupted play for nearly an hour, with action resuming at 4.15pm after a lengthy delay.
Once play restarted, Bangladesh tightened their grip again. Salman Agha edged to first slip before Mehidy removed both Noman Ali and Shaheen Afridi in quick succession.
Taijul Islam eventually wrapped up the innings by bowling Hasan Ali as Pakistan were dismissed for 386, conceding a slender 27-run deficit.
Mehidy leads Bangladesh bowling effort
Mehidy Hasan Miraz finished with figures of 5 for 102, collecting his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket and proving decisive during Pakistan’s collapse.
Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam claimed two wickets each, while Nahid Rana added one wicket as Bangladesh’s bowlers recovered after Pakistan’s strong start.
Although Azan Awais’ debut century shifted momentum towards Pakistan for large periods of the day, Bangladesh’s ability to strike repeatedly after his dismissal ensured the hosts retained a narrow advantage heading into the fourth day.
With Bangladesh already ahead by 34 runs in the second innings and with conditions continuing to assist spin, the match remains finely balanced despite Pakistan’s strong batting response.
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