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The second and final Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi saw a dramatic turn of events on Day 3, as Pakistan's paceman Khurram Shahzad unleashed a devastating spell, dismantling Bangladesh's batting line-up. This impressive performance came after Bangladesh had secured a historic ten-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Test, putting them ahead in the two-match series.
Shahzad's four-wicket haul included a remarkable three wickets in just five deliveries, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 75 for 6. This followed Pakistan's first innings total of 274, leaving Bangladesh needing 49 runs to avoid the follow-on. The first day of the match had been lost to rain, adding further pressure to the already tense situation.
Shahzad expertly exploited the conditions and the green-tinged pitch to his team's advantage, with fellow paceman Mir Hamza providing relentless support from the other end. Hamza, who replaced Naseem Shah in the Pakistani playing eleven for this match, took 2 for 29, further contributing to Bangladesh's downfall.
Bangladesh, resuming from their overnight score of 10 without loss, was reduced to a precarious 26 for 6. However, wicketkeeper-batsman Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz managed to stem the tide, halting the fall of wickets and preventing further damage before the lunch break.
Shahzad's victims included openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan, as well as captain Najmul Shanto and veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. Hamza, meanwhile, accounted for Mominul Haque and Bangladesh's first-Test centurion Mushfiqur Rahim.
This dramatic turn of events has injected a significant element of uncertainty into the second Test, highlighting the importance of Shahzad's performance in shifting the momentum towards Pakistan. The final outcome remains to be seen, but this match has undoubtedly been filled with thrilling moments and a display of intense cricketing skill.
Source: Watch: 3 wickets in 5 balls for Pakistan pacer Khurram Shahzad against Bangladesh