Azan Awais announces himself with gritty debut fifty as Pakistan fight back in Dhaka test

DHAKA – Pakistan found a much-needed spark in debutant Azan Awais, whose calm and assured batting on Test debut helped the visitors claw their way back into the contest against Bangladesh national cricket team in Dhaka.

After being put under pressure by Bangladesh’s imposing first-innings total of 413, Pakistan responded with resilience, ending the day strongly at 179 for 1 in 46 overs—still trailing by 234 runs, but with momentum firmly shifting. Azan remained unbeaten on a composed 85, while fellow youngster Abdullah Fazal supported him well with 37 not out.

The recovery was built on a solid foundation laid earlier by Azan and Imam-ul-Haq, who blunted the Bangladeshi attack with a confident opening stand. The pair showed positive intent from the outset, taking advantage of loose deliveries and steadily building pressure back on the hosts. By tea, Pakistan had reached 50 without loss, though they still faced a steep deficit.

The momentum shifted significantly in the final session as Azan grew in confidence, bringing up a memorable maiden Test fifty. His partnership with Imam crossed the hundred mark, frustrating the Bangladeshi bowlers who struggled to find breakthroughs.

Bangladesh finally found relief when Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Imam for a well-made 45, ending a 106-run opening stand. Imam’s innings, laced with six boundaries, had played a key role in stabilizing Pakistan’s response.

With the platform set, Abdullah Fazal joined Azan and ensured there were no further setbacks. The duo rotated the strike effectively and capitalized on scoring opportunities, guiding Pakistan past the 150-run mark and safely through the remainder of the day. Mehidy remained the lone wicket-taker for Bangladesh during this phase.

Earlier, Pakistan’s fightback had been set up by a superb bowling performance from Mohammad Abbas, who claimed a brilliant five-wicket haul to restrict Bangladesh to 413. Abbas’s disciplined spell dismantled the lower order and prevented the hosts from running away with the game.

Bangladesh had resumed day two strongly, with Mushfiqur Rahim anchoring the innings with a patient 71, marking his 29th Test half-century. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also played a crucial role, adding valuable runs after a strong start on day one.

However, Pakistan’s bowlers rallied impressively. Abbas removed key lower-order batters including Mehidy and Taijul Islam, while Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered timely breakthroughs, including the crucial wicket of Mushfiqur after lunch. Abbas completed his five-for by dismissing Ebadot Hossain, while Shaheen later wrapped up the innings by removing Taskin Ahmed.

On day one, Bangladesh had dominated proceedings through solid contributions from Shanto and Mominul Haque, who scored a composed 91. Their partnership steadied the innings after early strikes from Shaheen and Hasan Ali.

With Azan Awais leading the charge in Pakistan’s reply, the visitors have not only reduced the deficit but also injected fresh belief into their campaign. As the Test heads into a crucial phase, all eyes will be on the young opener to see if he can convert his impressive debut into a match-defining innings.