Pakistan's second Test against Bangladesh saw a remarkable display of fast bowling from Khurram Shahzad, who, under the expert guidance of coach Azhar Mahmood, delivered a game-changing spell that left the Bangladeshi batting line-up in tatters. Shahzad's lethal burst on Day 3 set the tone for Pakistan's dominance, reducing Bangladesh to a precarious 75/6 before lunch.
Azhar Mahmood, the experienced Pakistan bowling coach, played a crucial role in guiding Shahzad to this impressive performance.
Mahmood's expert advice on pitch conditions and bowling tactics before the start of play proved invaluable as Shahzad exploited the lively nature of the wicket.
Bangladesh, who had secured a historic 10-wicket win in the first Test, struggled to cope with Shahzad's pace and accuracy. The young pacer's ability to extract bounce and movement from the pitch proved too much for the Bangladeshi batters.
Just before play on Day 3, Azhar Mahmood guided Pakistan's opening bowlers on where to pitch the ball. The result? Pakistan has so far taken 4 wickets for just 12 runs.#PAKvsBAN#PakistanCricketpic.twitter.com/SqHklOVOO6
— PakPassion.net (@PakPassion) September 1, 2024
Shahzad (4-15) capped the session for Pakistan when he had Shakib Al Hasan leg before wicket while Mir Hamza took 2-29 after he replaced Naseem Shah in the playing XI for the second test.
All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who took five wickets in the first innings, was batting on 33 and Litton Das was not out on 13 as both batters survived for over an hour before lunch with an unbeaten 49-run stand.
Mehidy showed aggression in the latter half of the session and smashed seven boundaries, and Das survived after he required treatment after Shahzad’s short ball struck him on the rib-cage.
Bangladesh's top-order stumbled against Shahzad and Hamza’s impeccable seam and swing inside the first hour as the tourists slumped to 6-26 after they resumed Sunday at 10-0.
BREATHING FIRE IN RAWALPINDI 🏟️🔥Incredible spell this from Khurram Shahzad! 🎯🎯#PAKvBAN | #TestOnHaipic.twitter.com/NALHt1y6x3
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 1, 2024
Shahzad started Bangladesh’s slide when Zakir Islam (10), the only top-order batter to reach double figures, softly flicked the right-arm seamer to mid-wicket. Shahzad then clean bowled left-hander Shadman Islam round his legs and then induced a sharp inswinger to castle the stumps of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto inside one over.
Left-armer Hamza kept up the pressure from other end and induced a leading edge from Mominul Haque before first test century-maker Mushfiqur Rahim fell to a brilliant outswinger and edged behind the wicket.
Pakistan had capitalized on four dropped catches to score 274 on Day 2 after the first day was washed out due to persistent rain in Rawalpindi.
(With AP Inputs)