ISLAMABAD: Fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Mir Hamza picked up three wickets each as Pakistan Shaheens dismissed visiting Bangladesh ‘A’ for 122 runs in their first innings on the opening day of their four-day match here at Islamabad Club Cricket Ground.
For Bangladesh, Mahmudul Hasan Joy provided the sole resistance with a gritty 65 runs from 116 balls, hitting nine fours.
Mahmudul had flayed Shaheens last month in Darwin, scoring half-centuries in both innings to help his team win by five runs. But with Naseem (3-24) and Hamza (3-33) on song, he was unable to find support from the other end.
With the game starting late due to a wet outfield, Shaheens’ leg-spinner Mohammad Ramiz Junior was also among the wickets with 2-41 as Bangladesh ‘A’ folded in 44.3 overs. Pakistan were 2-0 when bad light ended play.
After the visitors opted to bat first, Hamza drew first blood for Shaheens when he castled Zakir Hasan for a seven-ball duck. Apart from Mahmudul, Bangladesh batters found scoring hard with only Mominul Haque (11), Mushfiqur Rahim (14) and Rejaur Rehman Raja (10) being able to get into double figures.
Mahmudul and Mushfiqur were also involved in the most productive partnership for visitors which was a 38-run stand, which was broken by Mohammad Ali.Umar Amin provided the important breakthrough for Shaheens as he dismissed the well-set Mahmudul.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Wednesday that there will be no spectators for the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh owing to construction at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The second series is scheduled for August 30 to September 3, with the PCB saying in a statement that it was a “difficult decision” to hold the Test without an audience.“We understand the vital role that our passionate spectators play in cricket, providing inspiration and motivation to our players,” the board said.
“However, the health and safety of our fans is our utmost priority. After careful consideration of all available options, we have decided that the safest course of action is to hold the second Test in front of an empty stadium.”
Ticket sales have been suspended with immediate effect, the PCB said, adding that fans who have already purchased tickets will receive a full refund.“While we deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause, we want to assure our valued fans that the ongoing stadium upgrades are aimed at enhancing their experience.
It said that the renovations were part of the board’s commitment to making the venue more spectator-friendly and preparing it for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be the first ICC event hosted in Pakistan since 1996.
The Bangladesh squad arrived in Lahore on Tuesday for the test series and were scheduled to train at Gaddafi Stadium from Aug 14 to 16 before travelling to Islamabad on Aug 17 to practice at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from Aug 18 to 20.
The opening Test will be played from Aug 21 to 25 in Rawalpindi.Last week, PCB announced that pacer Naseem Shah will return to the Test side for the home series against Bangladesh after 13 months on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury.
