Shan Masood and Saim Ayub have been the pillars for the Pakistan team in Today’s innings. In the second Test they played against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi. Somewhat wretchedly to begin with is what can be said of Pakistan. No Need to go so deep in details that Abdullah Shafique was dismissed in the first over. They got a rebuff though through a quick fifty from Shan Masood. Saim Ayub helped me in improving it a lot. Pakistan started day two well as they remained 100 for one at lunch time. To elaborate on this stable relationship, we have all the premise for a great coup in store. The pitch has become relaxed ,after the rains have intervened. Masood and Ayub have guarded off Bangladesh early on-set by leveling out the playing field now.
Pakistan’s Early Setback
The early departure of Abdullah Shafique pressed the Pakistan squad. It must have been a good over as Taskin Ahmed had been recently injured. You will agree with me, he leveraged on the conditions. The first over had five out swang to Shafique. The final delivery now pulls away from the seam line, and take its departure. What else did Shafique do for having been caught so unprepared, was leaving a gap between bat and pad. It was easily hit to the boundary after which the stumps were broken. This early check could well have disheartened Pakistan. But then Masood and Ayub decided otherwise.
Taskin Ahmed’s Impactful First Over
Taskin Ahmed’s comeback was signified by good line and length. Here the author has captured his first over beautifully by describing that it was a display of seam bowling. The outswingers of Taskin compelled Shafique to remain alert all the time. It was the last delivery, the sharply in-swinger that got the better of him. Shafique’s defense was breached. Going into the match in terms of tactics, the early goal scored by Taskin put Bangladesh on the driving seat. Though, that advantage was lost offered by Masood counterattack.
Masood and Ayub’s Resilient Partnership
This new ball bowler massage the bat of Shan Masood and Saim Ayub after the first wicket. The aggressive playing style of Shan Masood did not let him wait for the doze off. He owned the moment, stopping all attempts to Bangladesh’s bowlers. Ayub on the other hand who played Kalyan’s role was a perfect opposite. We may note that in most cases he started moving rather hesitating and became faster as time went on. Altogether, they scored fifty runs in the partnership in as many as 68 balls. This [part of vitality] can fill the deficit that World Bank found was very important for Pakistan’s recovery in this partnership.
Shan Masood’s Aggressive Approach
Shan Masood was in no mood to let Bangladesh dominate. His aggressive approach kept the scoreboard ticking. He didn’t allow the bowlers to settle. Masood’s intent was clear from the start. He attacked the loose deliveries and rotated the strike efficiently. His fifty came off just 54 balls. This knock was a statement of intent from the Pakistani opener.
Saim Ayub’s Steady Support
Saim Ayub complemented Masood perfectly. He started slowly but soon found his groove. Ayub’s role was to hold one end while Masood attacked. He did this job to perfection. Ayub’s patience was key to this partnership. He absorbed the pressure, allowing Masood to play freely. His contribution of 43 not out was vital.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Struggles
After the early success, Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud were disciplined but ineffective. Nahid Rana’s short-pitched bowling didn’t trouble the batsmen. Masood and Ayub handled the seamers with ease. Bangladesh failed to capitalize on the early breakthrough. Their bowling lacked the bite needed to trouble Pakistan.
Missed Opportunities by Bangladesh
Bangladesh created some half-chances but couldn’t convert them. Nahid Rana hit Masood on the thumb with a short ball. However, Masood shrugged it off and continued. Ayub was tested with some short-pitched deliveries. He responded with a pulled six over deep square leg. These missed opportunities allowed Pakistan to gain the upper hand.
Weather and Pitch Conditions
The match began under clear skies after a rain-soaked first day. The pitch had some moisture early on, aiding Bangladesh’s seamers. However, as the day progressed, the pitch eased out. This played into Pakistan’s hands. The improving conditions helped Masood and Ayub settle in. The weather is expected to remain clear, favoring the batsmen.
The Impact of Rain on the Match
Rain contributed towards washing out all the games that were scheduled in the first day of play. This cut it to a four day Test. As usual the rain had wet the pitch a little but was not too slippery. Bangladesh tried to take advantage of this in the very early stage of its industrialization. But then again the moisture was small and dry up as the day went by. The rain washout also stopped Bangladesh’s roll in their stride. Pakistan capitalised on the enhanced circumstances that surrounded it.
Bangladesh’s Over Rate Concerns
Bangladesh could manage to bowl only 25 overs in the first session. This slow over rate could become a problem.For example, over the period of a few seconds, the rocket’s fuel is depleted tremendously hence slowing the over rate of the rocket could present a major challenge. As it is the case in this match where the match was reduced to four days, any over played matters. Bangladesh would have to increase the scoring rate in the in the next sessions. The over rate will be very important for them if they do not wish to be penalized again. Hence, this is a problem that Bangladesh has to solve urgently.
Bangladesh’s Slow Over Rate
That Bangladeshi team slow over rate was apparent from the word go was not missed by anyone in the stadium. What they managed was to bowl just 25 overs in 135 minutes. This slow movement can be disadvantageous to them especially towards the later part of the game. This should come as a warning sign to the umpires. However, concerning penalties, Bangladesh has to come up with faster bowlers. The over rate will be also on focus to watch in the coming sessions.
Pakistan’s Bowling Strategy
Pakistan was up for some interesting team selections with regards to their bowlers. The team management decided to give the youngster Naseem Shah a break for this format of the game. Shaheen Shah Afridi was also omitted from the side that was to face the Australians. This left Pakistan with an inexperienced bowling lineup Pakistan. Altogether, the nine players in four frontline bowlers have not more than 16 Test matches under their belt. Of these players, Spinner Abrar Ahmed appears in the list with six tests and, therefore is the most experienced. This decision puts more responsibility on the Pakistan batting department especially the batsmen.
The Exclusion of Naseem Shah
It also came as a shocker that Naseem Shah was left out of the squad. He had been one of the Pakistan’s brightest stars in the cricketing arena as a great bowling prospect. But the management of the team had to pull him out of the game, probably due to some strategy which they wanted to implement. This could have been done with a view of addressing some of the congestion he has been through. That means the remainder of the bowlers must step up and make up for the gone bowler, Rehma Naseem. According to sources, they will have to rise up to the occasion especially in the absence of the ace.
Shaheen Afridi’s Rest
Among the many others who were lucky to be on the bench were Shaheen Afridi. Afridi has been used as the key player particularly in today’s versions of the game for Pakistan. This means that his absence can greatly be felt in the bowling strength of the team. This kind of decision making is strategic, because it is meant to benefit the team and the player in the future when there will not be the risk of him failing a fitness test. One particularity of Afridi’s situation is that when he left the field his compatriots had to step up. This will be a big test for Pakistan’s young bowlers In this way, the series will prove to be a challenge for inexperienced players as well.
Abrar Ahmed’s Expected Role
There is Abrar Ahmed Legspinner who will probably have a good game, integrated players are also strong. He was included after an all-pace attack flopped in the first Test of the series. This mare could come in handy on this pitch because, as we saw earlier, Abrar had a fair bit of potential when it came to turning the ball. That experience while small will be very pertinent. Pakistan will depend on him to give it those breakthroughs .
Abrar’s Inclusion and Its Importance
That is why Abrar Ahmed’s inclusion is a strategic one. Pakistan required a spinner to accompany fast bowlers in their line up. The idea of having Abrar in bowling attacking is very good as he brings variety in the bowling attack. We expect him to be more aggressive and his inclusion demonstrates Pakistan’s intention. What Abram will expect of Abrar is definitely going to take the opportunity to capitalise on any turn that is available. His contribution may therefore determine the outcome of this Test.
Pakistan’s Batting Depth
For Pakistan to have any chances of success, their batting line up will have to come to the party. However, the bowling bench strength is not very strong, especially for a team which has recently entered into the international circuit. It only makes sense to comment that Shan Masood and Saim Ayub have now duly provided the base they can build from. To this Bernabe is saying that the middle order will have to build from it The middle order will still need to use this start The middle order will have to make use of this start. Pakistan will may have some deeper batting line up in this match.
The Importance of a Strong Middle Order
Therefore, Pakistan’s middle order has a really important position to fill. As for those who came from good starting positions, they have to continue their progress further. Still, Babar Azam and other middle-order players should learn how to capitalize on the good starts in major cricket events. This will help in reducing the pressure which the bowlers are subjected to. If Pakistan gets a good middle over rate it makes a big total and makes it easier for its bowlers.
The Role of Lower-Order Batsmen
However, in the lower order as well one has a substantial part. When bowling has no any experience, every run is so important. The lower order also has to cash with the ball. This can also make the difference in a close game. The lower order will be very important in either setting of chasing a target for Pakistan.
Bangladesh’s Strategy Moving Forward
Bangladesh has to start thinking for the next sessions properly. They really have to hit early to begin dismantling Shan Masood and Ayub’s working relationship. If the match is to turn in their favour, their bowlers must not bowl loose deliveries. Bangladesh has to be equally good in the ground fielding also. An opportunity lost could be an opportunity gained by the other side hence quite risky.
The Need for Early Breakthroughs
In the next session Bangladesh’s focus is on to take early wickets. To curb the corruption, there is no option but to break the corrupt partnership between Masood and Ayub. This will put lot of pressure on the middle order of Pakistan. Therefore, Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud have to step up to the task. First, it must be noted that early contingencies are potentially early breakthroughs and can turn the tide in favour of Bangladesh.
Maintaining Bowling Discipline
A special mention would be on how discipline will be something that Bangladesh bowlers will have to exercise throughout the match. They have to put in Right Lines and Lengths. However, free flowing performances will be(jsustralians85) punished by Pakistan’s batsmen. Bangladesh cannot allow the opposition team free flowing to score many runs at ease. This will primarily be so if Pakistan is to ensure that it keeps scoring in check because discipline they say is the mother of all success.
Conclusion
Shan Masood has made a quick fifty to send Pakistan in a commanding position. The combination with Saim Ayub means Pakistan has managed to come back from this early set back. Bangladesh will have to pack their bags and WC format means, they will have to be back on the filed in the next session. The match is well and truly in the balance, and either side have the prospect of taking the initiative. For Pakistan’s batsmen, their aim will be to try and capitalise this start that they got, on the other hand, for Bangladesh bowlers, it’ll be nothing less than staging a spirited fight back.
FAQs
- What was the highlight of Shan Masood’s innings?
In wake PCB chief Shan Masood quickly got off to a fifty and this tone was set for Pakistan’s innings. - How did Bangladesh fare in the first session?
Shahadat took an early breakthrough but failed to build the pressure. - Who supported Shan Masood in the partnership?
Saim Ayub had participated in the other innings and scored 43* to be a brilliant support to his team. - What were the weather conditions like on day two?
The day begun with a bit of sunshine and warmth that could be of help to Pakistan in its efforts at recuperation. - Why was Shaheen Afridi not included in this Test?
Shaheen Afridi was excluded for this Test so as to ensure that he does not get injure in the long run.
