Azan Awais produced a composed maiden Test century on debut as Pakistan fought back strongly on day three of the opening Test against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium yesterdy (10).
Resuming on 179 for one in response to Bangladesh’s first-innings 413, Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 386, conceding a narrow 27-run lead. Bangladesh then reached seven without loss in their second innings before bad light forced an early close with the hosts leading by 34 runs overall.
The day belonged to 21-year-old Azan, who turned his overnight 85 into a memorable 103 from 165 deliveries, striking 14 boundaries. The left-hander became only the 14th Pakistan batter to score a century on Test debut and anchored a vital 104-run second-wicket partnership with fellow debutant Abdullah Fazal, who contributed a patient 60.
Pakistan briefly stumbled from 210 for two to 230 for five before Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan launched a counterattack with a crucial 119-run sixth-wicket stand. Salman struck 58 while Rizwan added a fluent 59 as Pakistan closed the gap on Bangladesh’s total.
For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz starred with the ball, claiming five for 102, while Taijul Islam chipped in with two wickets. Pakistan’s pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Abbas then shared the new ball before fading light ended play prematurely.
