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Salman Ali Agha and Taskin Ahmed (Source:X)
Pakistan made a strong recovery against Bangladesh on Day 3 of the Test in Mirpur, with a significant contribution largely from Salman Ali Agha, who made full use of a crucial lifeline after being dismissed off a no-ball.
Salma Agha remained unbeaten on 55 at tea and played a crucial role in rebuilding Pakistan’s innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan after the visitors suffered a dramatic middle-order collapse.
At tea, Pakistan had reached 349/6, still trailing Bangladesh by 64 runs. The visitors looked in serious trouble earlier in the day after slipping from a commanding 210/1 to 230/5 in the morning session. However, the partnership between Rizwan and Agha brought Pakistan back into the contest.
Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan guide Pakistan
Pakistan began the day in a strong position, with debutants Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal continuing their impressive batting. Awais completed a memorable century on debut, becoming the 14th Pakistani batter to score a Test hundred in his first match.
He departed after scoring 103 runs off 165 balls. The wicket completely changed the momentum of the innings.
Shan Masood was dismissed for 9 after a sharp catch at point, while Saud Shakeel departed for a first-ball duck.
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Abdullah Fazal, who looked settled after reaching his fifty, also failed to continue and was dismissed for 60. From a comfortable position, Pakistan suddenly found themselves struggling at 230/5.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed led Bangladesh's fightback brilliantly. Mehidy picked up three wickets while Taskin's pace troubled Pakistan's middle order throughout the session.
Pakistan quickly lost wickets in clusters as Bangladesh bowlers applied pressure with disciplined bowling.
Salman Ali Agha gets lifeline
With Pakistan under pressure, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha came together and slowly rebuilt the innings. The turning point of the session came in the 64th over when Agha appeared to be dismissed.
Taskin Ahmed induced an outside edge, and Litton Das safely completed the catch behind the stumps. Bangladesh players celebrated immediately, believing they had broken the partnership.
However, the joy was short-lived as it showed that Taskin Ahmed had overstepped the crease. The delivery was a no-ball, giving Agha a massive lifeline. However, Agha fully capitalised on the mistake and reached his half-century.
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Rizwan falls, but Agha keeps Pakistan in control
The Rizwan-Agha partnership added 119 runs for the 6th wicket and steadied Pakistan after the collapse. Rizwan looked set for an even bigger score but fell on the final ball before tea. He was caught at mid-off after scoring 59 from 79 balls.
Light rain forced the players off the field and brought an early tea break. Following the resumption, Bangladesh finally managed to remove Agha as well.
Fast bowler Nahid Rana, who had struggled to make an impact earlier, produced a sharp delivery outside off stump. Agha attempted a loose shot and edged the ball to captain Najmul Hossain Shanto at first slip.
Despite his dismissal for 58 off 94 balls, Agha's innings proved extremely valuable for Pakistan.
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