Rizwan and Shakeel guide Pakistan to a mammoth total in first Test

Rizwan and Shakeel shine with centuries as Pakistan dominates Bangladesh in Test match at Rawalpindi stadium.

Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel knocked brilliant centuries to guide Pakistan to an imposing 448-6 declared before Bangladesh closed the second day at 27-0 in Rawalpindi on Thursday (August 22, 2024).

Rizwan's unbeaten 171 was his Test best and third century in the format, while Shakeel's 141 was equally polished as the duo lifted Pakistan from a precarious 16-3 on Wednesday (August 21, 2024).

Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam was 12 and Zakir Hasan was 11, negotiating 12 overs of pace without any problem as the Rawalpindi stadium pitch has not assisted bowlers as predicted. Bangladesh batting coach David Hemp hoped his batters would match their opponents.

"It's a pretty good batting pitch and we hope it continues like this," said Hemp, a former Bermuda player.

"Our batters need to match Pakistan's batters and we need to get closer to Pakistan's total."

Bangladesh had pushed Pakistan on the backfoot on day one but it was Shakeel who repaired the innings with Saim Ayub (56) through a 98-run fourth wicket stand before another 240 runs were added for the next with Rizwan as Pakistan blunted Bangladesh's attack.

Rizwan, who hit three sixes and 11 boundaries in a 239-ball knock, added a quick 44 with Shaheen Shah Afridi who smacked two sixes and a boundary in a blistering 29 not out.