Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 1st Test: PAK near big win after Shaheen Afridi, debutant Abdullah Shafique heroics

Pakistan took a big leap towards registering a big win over Bangladesh in the ongoing first Test at Chattogram after outstanding performances from Shaheen Shah Afridi, Said Khan and the openers on Day 4 on Monday.

Chasing 202 for victory, Pakistan reached 109 for no loss by stumps and need just 93 runs more with all 10 wickets in hand Day 5 to go 1-0 up in the two-match series.

Openers Abid Ali and debutant Abdullah Shafique struck half-centuries each and will resume the chase on 56 and 53, respectively. The duo became the first opening pair to put on 50-plus partnership for the first wicket in both innings for Pakistan in Test cricket since 2012.

BAN vs PAK, 1st TEST: Day 4 Highlights

But it was Shaheen Afridi who stole the limelight on the penultimate day with figures of 5 for 32 from 15 overs while Sajid Khan bagged 3 wickets and Hasan Ali took a couple of scalps to help Pakistan bowl out Bangladesh for 157 in their second innings.

Bangladesh started on the back foot right from the first ball on Day 4 as they resumed their innings on 39 for 4. The hosts were looking good in the first hour of the first session with Mushfiqur Rahim and Yasir Ali at the crease.

But a blow to Yasir on the helmet by a bouncer from Shaheen Afridi forced him to retire hurt which started Bangladesh’s collapse as they lost wickets in a heap. They could add just 118 runs to their overnight total and set Pakistan a target just over 200 runs to win the game.

Bangladesh had taken a 44-run first-innings lead after posting 330 and then bowling Pakistan out for 286.