Pakistan Rebounds to 158-4 on Test Day 1

On a rain-affected opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, Pakistan recovered from a disastrous start of 16-3 to finish at 158-4, thanks to half-centuries from Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel. The duo forged a crucial partnership of 98 runs for the fourth wicket, with Ayub scoring 56 runs and Shakeel remaining unbeaten on 57, marking his seventh half-century and becoming the joint-fastest Pakistani to reach 1,000 Test runs in just 11 matches. Bangladesh's pace attack, led by Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud, initially dismantled Pakistan's top order, dismissing captain Shan Masood and star batter Babar Azam for low scores. Despite the challenging conditions, the batting improved as the day progressed, with Mohammad Rizwan contributing an unbeaten 24 runs alongside Shakeel at stumps. The play began after a significant delay due to a wet outfield, with Bangladesh's captain opting to bowl first after winning the toss. This match is part of the ongoing World Test Championship series, where Pakistan currently sits sixth in the standings.