In a stunning display of fast bowling, Khurram Shahzad led Pakistan’s charge against Bangladesh in the second Test at Rawalpindi, as the visitors crumbled dramatically, losing six wickets for just 26 runs. This collapse was pivotal in Pakistan’s quest to assert dominance in the match, which is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC).
Khurram Shahzad leaves Bangladesh in tatters
After Bangladesh resumed their first innings on Day 3 from overnight score of 10/0, they were quickly put under pressure by Pakistan’s bowlers. Shahzad, who had taken 2 wickets in the opening Test of the two-match series, showcased his skills with a fiery spell that dismantled the Bangladeshi batting lineup. His relentless pace and precision proved too much for the batsmen, as he took 4 wickets for just 15 runs before the lunch break.
Shahzad and Mir Hamza made early inroads for Pakistan, exploiting the new ball to trouble the Bangladesh batters. Zakir Hasan narrowly escaped being dismissed twice in the first over, but was eventually bowled by Shahzad. Shadman Islam and Najmul Hossain Shanto also fell victim to Shahzad’s accurate bowling. Mushfiqur Rahim, the hero of the opening Test, was dismissed for 3 in the first innings of the second Test. Shakib al Hasan was also trapped in front by Shahzad’s accurate delivery.
Here are the videos:
No doubts about this one ☝️
Khurram Shahzad strikes early on day three ⚡#PAKvBAN | #TestOnHai pic.twitter.com/yWikwdHBEb
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 1, 2024
Also WATCH: Abdullah Shafique goes packing by Taskin Ahmed’s beautiful inswinger in the second PAK vs SL Test
BREATHING FIRE IN RAWALPINDI 🏟️🔥
Incredible spell this from Khurram Shahzad! 🎯🎯#PAKvBAN | #TestOnHai pic.twitter.com/NALHt1y6x3
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 1, 2024
Bangladesh reaches 75/6 at lunch
Struggling at 26 for 6, Mehidy Hasan Miraz countered Hamza’s bowling with two boundaries through the offside, while Litton Das struck a four off a weary Shahzad, who was in the midst of his seventh consecutive over. The Bangladeshi batters handled Mohammad Ali and Abrar Ahmed with ease. As the ball aged and the sun beat down on the pitch, batting became easier. At lunch, Bangladesh were 75/6, making a short comeback in the game with Mehidy hitting seven fours in his knock of 33 not out.