Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered a brilliant all-round bowling performance as Bangladesh gained a narrow but important lead over Pakistan on the third day of the first Test in Dhaka. The off-spinner claimed five wickets to put the hosts in a strong position at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
Pakistan were bowled out for 386 in their first innings, falling 27 runs short of Bangladesh’s total. The visitors fought hard, thanks to a memorable century from debutant Azan Awais, who scored an impressive 103 runs in his first Test innings. His composed knock included 14 boundaries and provided Pakistan with a solid platform.
Middle-order batters Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan also played valuable innings. Agha made 58, while Rizwan added 59. Their 119-run partnership helped Pakistan recover after a middle-order collapse. However, Bangladesh bowlers struck at crucial moments to regain control.
Mehidy was the standout performer with figures of 5 for 102, while Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam took two wickets each. Nahid Rana chipped in with one wicket and maintained pressure with his pace.
Bangladesh began their second innings confidently and reached 7 without loss before bad light forced an early end to play. With this start, the hosts extended their lead to 34 runs with all ten wickets still intact.
With two days remaining, Bangladesh hold a slight advantage, but the match remains finely balanced. Pakistan will need early wickets on day four to stay in contention and prevent the hosts from setting a challenging target.
