Pakistan Tightens Grip on Bangladesh in Rawalpindi Test

Pakistan's dominance continued on Day 3 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, as the hosts tightened their grip on the match. Resuming at 27/0, Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan faced a relentless Pakistan bowling attack.

Pakistan's bowlers, led by Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, kept the pressure on the Bangladesh batsmen. Islam fell for 23, caught behind off Afridi, while Hasan was dismissed for 30, trapped lbw by Shah.

With the openers back in the pavilion, Bangladesh's middle order struggled to cope with Pakistan's pace and spin. Mushfiqur Rahim (16) and Liton Das (14) were both dismissed cheaply, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 85/4.

Mohammad Rizwan, who scored a magnificent 171 in Pakistan's first innings, continued to torment Bangladesh with his off-spin. He dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto (18) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (12), reducing Bangladesh to 123/6.

As the day progressed, Pakistan's bowlers continued to chip away at Bangladesh's batting lineup. Yasir Shah claimed the wickets of Nurul Hasan (16) and Khaled Ahmed (0), while Afridi returned to dismiss Taijul Islam (10).

At the close of play, Bangladesh were struggling at 169/9, still trailing Pakistan by 279 runs. Ebadot Hossain (10*) and Shoriful Islam (0*) were the only batsmen left at the crease.

Pakistan will be confident of wrapping up the match on Day 4 and securing a crucial victory in their quest for a Test series win on home soil. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need a miraculous effort to avoid defeat.

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