Abbas fifer, Aazan’s unbeaten 85 put Pakistan in control in Dhaka Test

Pakistan tightened their grip on the opening Test against Bangladesh on Saturday after debutant Aazan Awais struck an unbeaten half-century to guide his side to 179 for one at stumps on the second day in Dhaka.

Replying to Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 413, Pakistan produced a confident start with Aazan leading the charge on his Test debut.

The left-hander remained unbeaten on 85 at the close alongside Abdullah Fazal, who was batting on 37.

Imam-ul-Haq also contributed with a solid 45 before becoming the only Pakistani batter dismissed on the day.

Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed the lone wicket.

Earlier, Bangladesh had scored 413 runs in the first innings. 

Pakistan’s medium pacer Mohammad Abbas grabbed five wickets for 92 runs as hosts Bangladesh were all out for 410 runs in their first innings on the second day of the first cricket Test being played in Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Resuming at 301-4, the hosts lost Litton Das for 33 after Abbas struck early to reduce the hosts to 338-5. Abbas then removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 10 and a little before the lunch break he also dismissed Taijul Islam for 17.

Yesterday, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hit an attacking century as Bangladesh recovered from a shaky start to post 301-4 on the opening day of the first Test.

Shanto struck his ninth Test hundred off just 129 balls with the help of 12 fours and two sixes to delight the home fans at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

The in-form batsman steadied the innings after Bangladesh were reduced to 31-2 inside 11 overs, before falling lbw to seamer Mohammad Abbas.

Mohammad Abbas gets a much deserved breakthrough after great bowling spells by him and Hasan this morning pic.twitter.com/JJRZLglUyl

— Danish (@PctDanish) May 9, 2026

The left-handed pair of Shanto (101) and Mominul Haque put on 170 runs off 257 balls for the third wicket, the highest partnership for that wicket against Pakistan and the third highest overall for Bangladesh.

Mominul praised Shanto, saying it was among his best knocks.

"Shanto's innings is one of the best I have seen from him. He is in outstanding form," Mominul said.

"Even under a lot of pressure, he manages to score hundreds. Today as well, he made a century in very difficult conditions. He is in the best form of his life."

Mominul was denied a well-deserved century, trapped leg before by spinner Noman Ali on 91.

Mohammad Abbas gets his 4th, Pakistan's ace man stepping up on Day 2 ❤️pic.twitter.com/n0ZACPd0Pf

— Danish (@PctDanish) May 9, 2026

Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das then took over, surviving the second new ball without trouble.

Mushfiqur ended unbeaten on 48 off 104 balls, with Litton Das unbeaten on eight.

Bangladesh lost both openers inside the first hour after they were sent in to bat.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy edged Shaheen Shah Afridi behind for eight after surviving a dropped catch on four, before Shadman Islam was caught at slip off Hasan Ali for 13.

Pakistan's bowlers toiled in hot and humid conditions, finding little assistance from the pitch. They also conceded 32 extras.

Abbas said Pakistan were upbeat despite the day not going their way.

"I don't think it was a frustrating day," Abbas said. "We did really hard work. The new ball is in our hand, so we will come tomorrow and take early wickets."