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SYLHET: Pakistan will be chasing a daunting target of 437 on Day 4 after Mushfiqur Rahim produced a career-defining knock to steer Bangladesh to 390 all out on the third day of the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Play ended early on Day 3 due to poor light, with Pakistan reaching 0-0 after facing just two overs in their fourth-innings chase before the umpires called stumps.

The day, however, belonged to Mushfiqur, who registered a record-breaking 14th Test century, the most by any Bangladesh batter, before finishing with a magnificent 137 off 233 balls, decorated with 12 fours and a six.

Bangladesh’s innings was built around resilience in the middle and lower order, with Mushfiqur anchoring key stands under pressure from Pakistan’s attack.

He added a crucial 77-run partnership with Taijul Islam in the third session, frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers and pushing the lead ahead.

Taijul contributed a gritty 22 before falling to Sajid Khan, while Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam added useful runs in the lower order.

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Hasan Ali removed Taskin after a brief resistance, while Sajid Khan wrapped up the innings by dismissing Shoriful and Mushfiqur, ending Bangladesh’s innings at 390.

For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad was the standout bowler with figures of 4 for 86, while Sajid Khan claimed three wickets. Hasan Ali picked up two, and Mohammad Abbas chipped in with one wicket.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh resumed the day at 110-3 but suffered an early setback when captain Najmul Hossain Shanto fell to Khurram Shahzad after scoring 15 off 46 deliveries.

Pakistan looked to build pressure following the breakthrough, but the experienced pair of Litton and Mushfiqur steadied the innings with a composed partnership.

The duo first guided Bangladesh past the 150-run mark with a measured 50-run stand before continuing to frustrate Pakistan’s bowlers through disciplined batting.

Their unbroken 68-run partnership carried Bangladesh safely to Lunch without any further damage and placed the hosts firmly in command of the contest heading into the remainder of Day 3.

READ: Babar Azam enters WTC record books during Bangladesh Test

SYLHET: Bangladesh ended day two of the second Test on high against Pakistan at the Sylhet International Stadium on Sunday after securing a vital first innings lead of 46. 

The hosts ended the day in a strong position, leading by 156 runs after reaching 110-3 at stumps, with the wicket of Mominul Haque bringing the day’s play to a close.

Pakistan struck in the fourth over of Bangladesh’s innings as Khurram Shehzad removed debutant Tanzid Hasan for four.  Yet, it was Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s brisk half-century that asserted home-side dominance. He forged a 76-run stand alongside Mominul Haque, propelling the score to 91 at the end of the 17th over.

The stand culminated in the form of Joy’s dismissal, caught at deep square leg off Mohammad Abbas’s bowling. He hit 10 fours in his 52 from 64 balls.

Skipper Najmul Hossain joined Mominul as both batters negotiated the final overs until Shehzad sent him back with a hard length delivery, pitched outside off stump. He made 30 with the help of three fours, whereas Shanto remained unbeaten on 13.

For Pakistan, Khurram Shehzad picked two while Mohammad Abbas managed to scalp one.

Bangladesh bowled out Pakistan soon after Tea on Day 2 to take a 46-run lead in the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan were dismissed for 232 in 57.4 overs, with Babar Azam top-scoring for the visitors with 68.

Resuming after Tea at 206-8 and trailing by 71 runs, Pakistan lost Khurram Shehzad (10), adding just a single run to the team’s total. Sajid Khan then offered brief resistance with a fighting 38 off 28 balls, striking four sixes and two fours, including three sixes off Taijul Islam over.

However, Rana had the final say, dismissing Sajid to wrap up the innings and give Bangladesh a first-inning lead.

For Bangladesh, Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam led the attack, sharing six wickets between them, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up two each.

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Earlier, Pakistan had slipped into trouble during the post-lunch session. They were reduced to 206-8 at Tea, still trailing by 71 runs, after a dramatic collapse.

Sajid Khan and Khurram Shehzad remained at the crease, both scoring six and 10 runs respectively.

Babar Azam had earlier held the innings together with a fluent 68 off 84 balls, striking 10 fours. He shared a 63-run partnership with Salman Ali Agha after Pakistan were in early trouble.

But once Babar was removed, Pakistan lost their way in the middle. He was caught at mid on in the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings. He looked in fine touch, scoring 68 off 84 balls, including 10 fours.

Rana broke the stand, brought back by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in a decisive move that got the prized wicket of Babar.

Salman Ali Agha also threw his wicket away, trying to slog sweep Taijul Islam and ended up being caught on the boundary. He made 21 with the help of two fours.

Soon after, Mohammad Rizwan was cleaned up by Taijul to leave Pakistan reeling at 174-7. He made 13 from 27 deliveries.

Hasan Ali tried to resist, scoring 18 from 37, striking three fours and helped reduce the deficit to under the 100 run mark. But his resistance came to an end, courtesy of a juggling catch from Nahid Rana.

In the morning session, Pakistan had also lost quick wickets with Taskin Ahmed removing promoted opener Abdullah Fazal (9) and Azan Awais (13) in quick succession.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood (21) and Babar Azam rebuilt the innings with a brief 38-run partnership. The visitors’ woes compounded when they lost Saud Shakeel as well, leaving them 79 for four before Lunch.

READ: WATCH: Nahid Rana delivers massive blow with Babar Azam’s wicket

SYLHET: Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana dismissed well-set Pakistan batter Babar Azam to lift Bangladesh during the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Babar was caught at mid on in the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings. He looked in fine touch, scoring 68 off 84 balls,  including 10 fours. However, Rana was brought back by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in a decisive move that got the prized wicket of Babar.

Babar arrived at the crease early on the second day’s morning with his side in deep trouble at 26-2. Despite losing wickets around him, the 31-year-old remained firm and played fluently for his 68.

Pakistan lost their opening wicket in just the second over of the day as Taskin Ahmed removed promoted Abdullah Fazal. The left-hander only managed nine after impressive outings in the first Test.

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The home side tightened their grip on the match when Taskin struck again to remove Azan Awais for 13. After the early blows, Pakistan captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam rebuilt the innings with a brief 38-run partnership.

The scorecard read 61 when Shan (21) departed off Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s bowling. The visitors’ woes compounded when they lost Saud Shakeel as well, leaving them 79 for four before Salman Ali Agha and Babar stitched a 63-run partnership to steady the innings.

But once Babar was removed, Pakistan lost their way in the middle. Salman Ali Agha threw his wicket away, trying to slog sweep Taijul Islam and ended up being caught on the boundary. He made 21 with the help of two fours.

Soon after, Mohammad Rizwan was cleaned up by Taijul to leave Pakistan reeling at 174-7. He made 13 from 27 deliveries.

READ: Pakistan make steady start after Litton Das’ century in Sylhet Test

SYLHET: A composed century by Litton Das put Bangladesh in a strong position, but Pakistan made a steady start in reply to reach 21-0 at stumps on Day 1 of the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Pakistan’s openers, Azan Awais (13) and Abdullah Fazal (8), negotiated a brief evening spell without loss, finishing the day safely after Bangladesh were earlier bowled out for 278 in their first innings.

Bangladesh’s total was built around a superb 126-run knock from Litton Das, who held the innings together after Pakistan’s pace attack repeatedly struck at regular intervals.

Khurram Shahzad finished as Pakistan’s most successful bowler with four wickets, while Mohammad Abbas and Hasan Ali claimed three and two wickets respectively.

Hasan Ali wrapped up the innings by striking twice in the same over during the closing stages of the day.

He first dismissed the well-set Litton Das, who smashed 126 off 159 deliveries, laced with 16 fours and two sixes, before removing last man Nahid Rana for a duck.

Shoriful Islam remained unbeaten on 12 as Bangladesh’s innings came to an end.

Litton’s century proved crucial after Bangladesh found themselves in serious trouble during the second session.

The wicketkeeper batter initially rebuilt the innings alongside Taijul Islam, with the pair adding a valuable 52-run unbeaten stand before Tea.

Taijul, however, departed early in the final session after scoring 16, but Litton continued to frustrate Pakistan’s bowlers with counter-attacking cricket. He then stitched together a 38-run partnership with Taskin Ahmed, who contributed seven runs.

After Taskin’s dismissal, Litton found another useful ally in Shoriful Islam as the duo added 64 runs for the ninth wicket, with the experienced batter dominating the scoring.

Earlier, Bangladesh resumed the second session on 101-3 after Lunch with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim at the crease.

Mohammad Abbas provided Pakistan the breakthrough soon after Lunch by dismissing Shanto for 29 off 74 deliveries.

Khurram Shahzad then struck twice in quick succession to further dent Bangladesh’s innings. The right-arm pacer first removed Mushfiqur Rahim for 23 before sending back Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who could manage only four runs.

With Bangladesh under pressure, Litton Das took responsibility and countered the Pakistani attack with confidence, while Taijul Islam played a supporting role to guide the hosts safely to Tea without any further setbacks.

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Earlier in the day, Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid immediate dividends.

Mohammad Abbas struck on the second delivery of the innings by removing opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy to hand Pakistan a dream start.

Debutant Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque then attempted to stabilise the innings with a cautious 44-run partnership for the second wicket. However, Abbas returned to dismiss Tanzid Hasan after the opener scored 26 off 34 balls.

Khurram Shahzad added to Bangladesh’s troubles by clean bowling Mominul Haque for 22, leaving the hosts reeling at 63-3 before Lunch.

Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim then combined to steady the innings briefly and ensured Bangladesh avoided further damage before the interval.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Azan Awais, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Abdullah Fazal, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Khurram Shahzad, Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali and Mohammad Abbas.

Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumar Das (wk), Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana.

READ: Pakistan squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 revealed

MIRPUR: Pakistan cricket team suffered a significant setback in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings after being penalised for maintaining a slow over-rate during the opening Test against Bangladesh.

The ICC fined Pakistan 40 per cent of their match fee and deducted eight WTC points following the offence committed during the Mirpur Test.

As a result of the penalty, Pakistan have slipped to eighth place in the WTC standings with four points, sitting just above West Indies.

Match referee Jeff Crowe imposed the sanction after ruling that Pakistan were eight overs short of the required target once time allowances were taken into account.

According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl within the allotted time.

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Consequently, Pakistan incurred a total fine of 40 per cent.

In addition, Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions states that teams lose one championship point for each over short, leading to an eight-point deduction for Pakistan.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood admitted the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Kumar Dharmasena, along with third umpire Allahuddien Palekar and fourth umpire Gazi Sohel.

The disciplinary blow came shortly after Pakistan suffered a 104-run defeat against Bangladesh in the opening Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

READ: Pakistan likely to make THESE changes for second Bangladesh Test

LAHORE: The physical tickets for the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Australia will go on sale from Friday, 22 May, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday.

According to the PCB, online tickets can be availed from pcb.tcs.com.pk from 1pm onwards, whereas the physical tickets will be available across 16 TCS Express Centers in three cities — Lahore (8 outlets) , Rawalpindi (5) and Islamabad(3).

The board has kept the ticket prices at an ‘affordable rate’, starting from PKR 200.

“To encourage fans to turn up in huge numbers, ticket prices have been set at an affordable rate, starting from PKR 200,” the PCB said in a press release statement.

“General enclosure tickets will be priced at PKR 200, first-class enclosures at PKR 300, premium tickets at PKR 400, and VIP tickets at PKR 500. For the Rawalpindi fixture, VIP gallery seats will be available at PKR 1,500,” it added.

 

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Moreover, VIP enclosures at the Iqbal End are set at PKR 1,000. The seats at the Jinnah End are priced at PKR 1,500.

Details of Corporate hospitality packages will also be available, with further information available through the PCB Head Office.

The ODI series will commence on Saturday, 30 May, with the first ODI taking place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the second and third ODIs will be played on 2 and 4 June, respectively, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

For the unversed, it will be Australia’s first bilateral ODI series in Pakistan since March-April 2022. The series is a continuation of Australia’s tour of Pakistan for a three-match T20I series in January and February, where Pakistan completed a 3-0 clean sweep over them.

Pakistan-Australia Series schedule

30 May – First ODI, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
2 June – Second ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
4 June – Third ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

READ: Hunain, Sufiyan included in Pakistan white-ball camp for Australia ODIs

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 28-player white-ball training camp ahead of the upcoming ODI series against Australia, with emerging stars Hunain Shah and Sufiyan Muqeem among the notable inclusions.

The camp, which will be held at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, is scheduled to begin on May 15 and conclude on May 21.

According to the PCB, the seven-day camp will feature training sessions and practice matches as Pakistan intensify preparations for the three-match home ODI series against Australia.

Muqeem and Hunain earned selection following impressive performances in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

Left-arm spinner Muqeem finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets and played a key role in guiding Peshawar Zalmi to the title.

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Meanwhile, fast bowler Hunain claimed 17 wickets during the campaign to finish as the fourth-highest wicket-taker while representing runners-up Hyderabad Kingsmen.

The PCB further confirmed that the NCA coaching staff will work closely with Pakistan’s white-ball team management throughout the camp to monitor and prepare the players.

The training group also includes Pakistan Under-19 fast bowlers Abdul Subhan and Ali Raza, both of whom represented Pakistan in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup earlier this year in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Notably, underperforming opening batter Saim Ayub has been excluded from the camp.

Pakistan will host Australia for three ODIs in Rawalpindi and Lahore between May 30 and June 4. All three matches are scheduled to begin at 4:30pm local time, with the toss set for 4pm.

Players named in Pakistan white-ball camp: Aamir Jamal, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Hamza Nazeer, Haris Rauf, Hunain Shah, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Faik, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Saad Baig, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain, Sufiyan Muqeem and Usman Khan.

READ: Ayesha Zafar makes history with T20I century against Zimbabwe

MIRPUR: Nahid Rana produced a sensational fast-bowling display to guide Bangladesh to a commanding 104-run victory over Pakistan on the fifth and final day of the opening Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

The young pacer completed a memorable five-wicket haul by dismissing Shaheen Shah Afridi for a 13-ball duck to wrap up Pakistan’s innings at 163 while defending a target of 268.

Nahid finished as the standout performer for Bangladesh, while Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam claimed two wickets apiece. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also chipped in with one scalp.

Pakistan’s resistance was led by debutant Abdullah Fazal, who top-scored with 66, but the visitors suffered a dramatic collapse in the final session.

Fazal, who resumed after Tea on 66, departed in the very first over of the session after falling to Taijul Islam without adding to his score.

In the next over, Taskin Ahmed removed Salman Ali Agha for 26, reducing Pakistan to 121-5 and putting Bangladesh firmly in control.

Senior batters Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to steady the innings with a brief partnership and looked set to drag Pakistan back into the contest.

However, Nahid Rana struck in consecutive overs to dismiss both batters after they scored 15 runs each, effectively ending Pakistan’s hopes of survival.

The visitors then lost their final three wickets for just 10 runs as Bangladesh sealed an emphatic victory.

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Earlier, Pakistan had reached Tea at 116-3, still requiring 152 runs for victory, with Fazal and Salman unbeaten on 66 and 21 respectively.

Before the interval, Fazal and fellow debutant Azan Awais had added a valuable 54-run partnership after Lunch to revive Pakistan’s chase.

Azan, who had scored a century in the first innings, was dismissed for 15 by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood failed to make an impact and was trapped by Nahid Rana after scoring just two runs.

Agha then joined  Fazal, and they ensured that Pakistan went to Tea without any further damage.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed the chase in the second session, needing 262 more runs with nine wickets in hand after losing Imam-ul-Haq early to Taskin Ahmed.

Bangladesh had declared their second innings at 240-9 after captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a composed 87 off 150 deliveries.

For Pakistan, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali picked up three wickets each in Bangladesh’s second innings, while Shaheen Afridi claimed two scalps.

Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim added just six runs to his overnight score before Hasan Ali dismissed him for 22.

All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with a brisk 24 off 27 balls, while the lower-order failed to offer significant resistance.

For Pakistan, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali claimed three wickets each to keep the target within reach. Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up two wickets, while veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas contributed with one scalp.

READ: Noman Ali breaks 130-year-old record during Bangladesh Test

MIRPUR: Najmul Hossain Shanto produced another composed innings under pressure as Bangladesh tightened their grip on the opening Test against Pakistan before bad light forced an early end to Day Four at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday.

The hosts finished the day at 152-3 in their second innings, stretching their overall lead to 179 runs with one day remaining in the contest.

Bangladesh captain Shanto remained unbeaten on 58 at stumps, while veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim was accompanying him on 16 after the pair safely negotiated the closing stages.

The day, however, was heavily disrupted by weather as persistent rain wiped out the entire second session after Lunch.

Play had resumed briefly in the third session, where Bangladesh continued to frustrate Pakistan through the experienced duo of Shanto and Mominul Haque.

The pair extended their third-wicket stand to 105 runs, and both completed well-crafted half-centuries to put Bangladesh firmly in control.

Pakistan eventually found a breakthrough, thanks to Shaheen Shah Afridi, who dismissed Mominul for a patient 56 off 120 deliveries.

Following the dismissal, Mushfiqur joined his captain at the crease, and the duo ensured Bangladesh suffered no further damage before bad light ended proceedings early.

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Earlier, Bangladesh resumed their second innings on seven without loss with an overall lead of 34 runs after bowling Pakistan out for 386 on Day 3.

However, Pakistan struck twice early on Day 4 to put the hosts under pressure. Veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas provided the first breakthrough by dismissing overnight batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy for five.

Soon after, Hasan Ali removed opener Shadman Islam, who managed 10 runs, reducing Bangladesh to 23-2 early in the session.

With Pakistan threatening to seize control, Bangladesh captain Shanto and experienced batter Mominul once again combined to stabilise the innings.

The pair, who had earlier stitched together a crucial 170-run stand in the first innings, continued their impressive understanding at the crease with another composed partnership.

They added an unbeaten 70 runs for the third wicket to guide Bangladesh safely to Lunch without any further setbacks.

By Lunch, Bangladesh had recovered to 93-2, with Shanto unbeaten on 34 and Mominul batting on 37.

Rain then halted proceedings immediately after the interval, with the umpires eventually taking tea during the delay before play resumed later in the evening.

READ: Teenage batter Oliver Peake named in Australia squad for Pakistan ODIs

MIRPUR: Mehidy Hasan Miraz weaved spin magic as Bangladesh bowled out Pakistan for 386 in the final session on day three of the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.

Bad light caused early stumps on day three as Bangladesh were 7-0 in 1.5 overs.

After tea, Pakistan managed to add only 37 to their total and lost four wickets after the rain-delayed post-tea session. The lower order collapse handed Bangladesh a 27-run lead, largely due to reckless shot selection by Pakistan batters.

The visitors resumed their innings on 349-6 with Noman Ali joining Salman Ali Agha. However, Nahid Rana ended the latter’s resistance, who had him caught at slip. Agha made 58 with the aid of a six and a four.

Noman and Shaheen added 19 to reduce the deficit, but Mehidy removed both batters in a short span to put Bangladesh on top position.

Hasan Ali (6) was the last batter to fall, attempting a slog against Taijul Islam and ended up losing his wicket.

Mehidy starred with the ball, finishing with figures of 5-102. Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam picked up two while Nahid Rana managed one.

Earlier, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan’s 119-run partnership took Pakistan out of trouble against Bangladesh by Tea.

Pakistan were 349-6 in the second session, still trailing by 64 runs. Agha remained unbeaten on 55 while Mohammad Rizwan gave his wicket away on the stroke of session end.  The right-hander made 59 off 79, hitting eight boundaries before getting caught at mid-off.

The duo launched Pakistan’s recovery after Mehidy Hasan Miraz ran through the middle-order. Both batters came in when the side was in deep trouble at 230-5.

For Bangladesh, Miraz remained the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets, while Taijul Islam also chipped in with one wicket.

At lunch, Pakistan were in a hole as Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck thrice to jolt the visitors’ progress.

In reply to Bangladesh 413, Pakistan resumed on 179-1 with debutants Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazam batting steadily. However, Taskin Ahmed provided the home side a much-needed breakthrough in the form of Azan’s wicket.

The left-hander made 104 with the aid of 14 fours. Soon after, skipper Shan Masood went back, getting dismissed for nine. The woes were further compounded when Saud Shakeel (0) and Abdullah Fazal (60) perished, leaving Pakistan at 230-5.

After quick wickets, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha came to the fore, arresting the slide with an unbroken 21-run partnership at lunch.

READ: Azan Awais enters record books with century on Test debut