United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh seized control of the first Test with a devastating morning session on day three, reducing Pakistan to 251-5 at lunch despite a debut century from Azan Awais. Pakistan, who resumed on 179-1, suffered a dramatic collapse that saw them lose four wickets for just 44 runs. They now trail the hosts by 162 runs with only five wickets in hand. The morning began with promise for the visitors as Azan Awais reached a patient maiden century. However, Taskin Ahmed broke the 104-run second-wicket stand by forcing Awais (103) into an undisciplined flash at a wide delivery, which was sharply caught by Najmul Hossain Shanto at slip. He struck again shortly after, removing Pakistan captain Shan Masood. Slicing a full delivery toward point, Masood was undone by a brilliant low diving catch from Shadman Islam. Miraz then dismantled the middle order. He first trapped Saud Shakeel (1) leg-before with a delivery that straightened and struck him in line with the stumps. Abdullah Fazal, who had batted with composure for his 60, followed suit when he charged down the track to Miraz, only to miscue a flat shot to mid-on. Miraz ended the session with clinical figures of 3-61, while Taskin’s double strike (2-61) provided the initial spark for the hosts’ resurgence. Taskin Ahmed became the third Bangladeshi pacer to reach 50 Test wickets, joining Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Shahadat Hossain. He is the first to reach the milestone in 17 years; Shahadat was the last to do so in 2009. Pakistan's hopes now rest on Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha to steady a ship that looked secure only 90 minutes earlier. Bangladesh, buoyed by the vocal Mirpur crowd, will look to wrap up the tail and secure a significant first-innings lead in the afternoon session.