NEW DELHI: Shadman Islam, the Bangladeshi opener, fell just short of a valiant century by a mere seven runs, but his efforts propelled Bangladesh to a commendable 316/5 at stumps on the third day of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Friday. Islam’s patient knock of 93 off 183 balls kept Bangladesh’s hopes alive of either securing a draw or achieving their maiden victory over Pakistan in their 14th Test encounter, AFP reported.

As the day drew to a close, experienced batsman Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 55, while Litton Das was not out on 52, further strengthening Bangladesh’s position. The duo had forged a solid unbroken partnership of 98 runs for the sixth wicket.

Bangladesh currently trail Pakistan’s declared total of 448-6 by 132 runs, with five wickets remaining. The Rawalpindi stadium pitch has proven to be unresponsive to bowlers, nearly diminishing Pakistan’s chances of securing a substantial lead.

Rahim reached his 28th Test half-century by hitting Shaheen Shah Afridi for his seventh boundary. Das also brought up his fifty, smashing three boundaries and a six in one over from Naseem Shah after Pakistan took the second new ball.

However, it was Shadman who anchored Bangladesh’s resistance. The 29-year-old left-hander displayed resilience and was closing in on his second century before being bowled by a sharp delivery from Pakistan pacer Mohammad Ali in the final over before tea.

Pakistan also dismissed Shakib Al Hasan for 15, as the ace all-rounder played a loose shot against part-time spinner Saim Ayub, who claimed his maiden wicket in his first-ever Test over.

Pacer Khurram Shahzad was the standout bowler with figures of 2-47, while Naseem Shah, Mohammad Ali, and Ayub each took a wicket. Spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi went wicketless in his 18 overs.

Earlier, Shadman anchored Bangladesh’s innings, adding 52 runs for the fourth wicket with Rahim, following a stubborn 94-run stand with Mominul Haque (50). Haque was the only batter dismissed in the post-lunch session, bowled by Shahzad after missing a delivery. He scored 28 runs, hitting five boundaries in his 76-ball innings.

Shadman anchored Bangladesh’s resistance as Pakistan’s pace attack struggled on a Rawalpindi pitch that had significantly slowed down. The Shadman-Haque partnership led the recovery after Pakistan removed Zakir Hasan (12) and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (16) during the extended three-hour session due to Friday prayers.

Pakistan utilized all four pacers but lacked a frontline spinner. Part-time slow bowler Agha Salman trapped Shadman leg-before wicket on 57, but the decision was overturned on review.

Bangladesh, resuming at 27-0, lost Zakir early to a brilliant one-handed catch by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan off Naseem Shah’s bowling in the fifth over of the day. Shanto appeared in good touch but was bowled between bat and pad by Shahzad, leaving Bangladesh at 53-2.

The second and final Test will also be held in Rawalpindi starting on August 30, as part of the nine-team World Test Championship’s third cycle (2023-2025).