Summary Pakistan ended day two of the opening Test against Bangladesh on 179-1 after Mohammad Abbas claimed five wickets and debutant Azan Awais impressed with an unbeaten half-century in Mirpur.
DHAKA (Dunya News) – Pakistan strengthened their position in the opening Test against Bangladesh after ending the second day on 179 for 1 in reply to the hosts’ first-innings total of 413 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.
A composed and confident debut innings from young batter Azan Awais put Pakistan firmly in control after Bangladesh were bowled out earlier in the day. At stumps, Awais remained unbeaten on 85, while Abdullah Fazal was alongside him on 37 as the visitors closed the day trailing by 234 runs with nine wickets still in hand.
Azan Awais leads Pakistan's positive response after Mohammad Abbas starred with a five-wicket haul earlier in the day
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 9, 2026
Pakistan trail by 234 runs with nine wickets in hand#BANvPAK pic.twitter.com/IV94unwiIR
Pakistan’s only setback came when Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for 45 after providing a solid opening stand. Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed the lone wicket of the innings.
The visitors’ strong response came after Pakistan’s bowlers wrapped up Bangladesh’s innings for 413 during the morning and afternoon sessions. Bangladesh had resumed day two on 301 for 4, but their lower order failed to capitalise on the platform laid by the top-order batters.
Mushfiqur Rahim, who resumed on 48 overnight, added valuable runs before falling for 71. Litton Das contributed 33 but was dismissed by Mohammad Abbas, who produced an outstanding spell with the ball. Mehidy Hasan Miraz added 10, Taijul Islam scored 17, while Taskin Ahmed chipped in with 28 runs late in the innings. Abadot Hossain was dismissed for a duck, and Nahid Rana managed four runs.
Abbas emerged as Pakistan’s standout performer, finishing with five wickets in a disciplined bowling display that dismantled Bangladesh’s middle and lower order. Shaheen শাহ Afridi provided strong support with three wickets, while Hasan Ali and Nauman Ali picked up one wicket each.
Bangladesh had appeared well-placed after the opening day, thanks largely to centuries and partnerships from the top order. Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 101, while Mominul Haque narrowly missed out on a century after making 91. Their efforts helped Bangladesh close the first day on 301 for 4 after Pakistan had won the toss and elected to field first.
Pakistan’s bowlers, however, returned with renewed intensity on the second morning. Abbas led the attack with accurate seam bowling and extracted movement from the surface to trouble Bangladesh’s batters consistently. His dismissal of Litton Das helped Pakistan break the overnight resistance before the visitors quickly ran through the tail.
Speaking after the opening day’s play, Abbas had expressed confidence that Pakistan could wrap up Bangladesh’s innings quickly on the second day. He admitted the side had endured a mixed first day with missed chances despite creating several opportunities, but remained optimistic about making an impact with the ball.
Pakistan’s batting unit then ensured the momentum firmly shifted in their favour. Debutant Azan Awais displayed remarkable composure against both pace and spin, timing the ball fluently and rotating strike effectively during his unbeaten knock. Imam-ul-Haq also looked settled before falling for 45, while Abdullah Fazal continued to support Awais in an unbroken partnership that frustrated the Bangladesh bowlers late in the day.
With Pakistan still holding nine wickets and a strong batting line-up to follow, the visitors head into the third day in a promising position as they attempt to erase the deficit and push for control of the Test match in Mirpur.
