Rizwan’s and Saud Shakeel’s century: The batting brilliance that put Pakistan on top against Bangladesh.
Image sources : Daily pakistan
Setting the Stage
Pakistan declared their first innings at 448 runs for the loss of six wickets on the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi – a batting masterclass led by Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, both smashing centuries in the middle order. Their 152-run partnership not only revived Pakistan from a shambolic morning session but also put them in the right direction for an important win.
Pakistan’s most important batsman, Babar Azam, fell for a paltry 16 runs, prompting fears that Pakistan would struggle to put on a competitive total. Then Rizwan and Shakeel began to hit back.
The Centuries that Changed the Game
Both Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel showed the class and temperament to get their third Test centuries. Rizwan was in sublime form and posted 171 off 238 balls with a mix of patience and aggression. He was the anchor who steadied Pakistan’s innings.
For Saud Shakeel, it was more than just a century, it was a meteoric rise. He was the fastest Pakistani to score 1,000 Test runs, doing so in his 20th innings, and joining Pakistan cricket great Saeed Ahmed who achieved the milestone in 1959.
His average of 67.88, after 20 Test innings, was the best since the legendary Don Bradman. ‘It was a masterclass in controlled aggression and judicious shot selection,’ wrote Sambit Bal for ESPNcricinfo. ‘He was reliably excellent.’
Controversy Over Early Declaration
The batting was hailed, but some questioned why the innings was declared when it was. Shan Masood, standing in for the absent captain Babar Azam, declared the innings with Mohammad Rizwan just 29 runs short of what could have been a richly deserved double century.eting pundits argued that Rizwan should have been given the opportunity to reach the elusive mark, especially given his current form.
However, others agreed with Masood that Rizwan looked fatigued and that declaring the innings would give Pakistan’s bowlers more time to exploit the wicket, which was deteriorating and becoming harder to bat on.
Social Media Reactions
Both performances were well received on social media. Rizwan was lauded for proving himself to be one of Pakistan’s most consistent batsmen with a steady average across all formats. His ability to perform under pressure has made him an asset to the Pakistan Test team. Shakeel expresses to me over the phone his concerns for Munawwar, who is his uncle’s only son. He worries that Munawwar might become disheartened. ‘Our hopes were high,’ Shakeel says. ‘We thought he might be the next Rizwan,’ he smiles and then, as an afterthought, grips the phone tighter.
Meanwhile the pace-bowler Saud Shakeel was acclaimed for having taken 1,000 Test runs in just 20 innings: ‘His composure at the crease, and intense concentration at work, is reminiscent of some of the greats of the game,’ wrote one cricketing elder. ‘He will surely be a mainstay in Pakistan’s batting order for the coming decades.’
What’s Next for Pakistan?
Close in on Pakistan’s bowlers as the match goes on. A great total to defend. Let’s see if the bowlers can use the aid that the wicket and time of game will offer to make life difficult for the Bangladeshi batsmen.
Rizwan and Shakeel have started the job with their hundreds, and now it’s the bowlers’ turn to finish. Finish it they should, and leave Pakistan all set to win this Test and establish themselves in this series.
In conclusion,
centuries scored by Rizwan and Shakeel are not solitary feats, but important events that may decide the course of this Test match. The way these two batsmen waged a lone battle has not only brought Pakistan’s innings back on track but also provided valuable opportunity for bowlers to do their job. It will be a matter of keen interest to see if Pakistan can convert this strong position into a dominating victory.
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