Pakistan overcame a shaky beginning on a rain-affected opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, as Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel notched up resilient half-centuries to steer the hosts to 158-4 at stumps on Wednesday.
Ayub was dismissed for 56, while Shakeel remained undefeated on 57, stabilizing the innings with a 98-run partnership after Bangladesh, who won the toss, exploited the conducive pitch with their fast bowlers. As the batting conditions improved under sunny skies, the pair propelled the hosts to 81-3 at tea, before continuing to accumulate runs in the final session until Bangladesh retaliated by dismissing the threatening Ayub in the 32nd over.
In a brief lapse in focus, the left-handed Ayub attempted a bold drive against Hasan Mahmud but inadvertently edged the ball to Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the slip region. Shakeel, who previously matched the record of being the fastest Pakistani batsman to reach 1,000 Test runs alongside Saeed Ahmed, celebrated his 20th innings with his seventh half-century. Mohammad Rizwan was unbeaten on 24 at stumps, positioning Pakistan well to capitalize on the solid foundation in new head coach Jason Gillespie's inaugural match with the red-ball team.
A wet outfield ensured no play in the morning, and Pakistan faced an early blow shortly after the start at 2.30 p.m. local time when Abdullah Shafique's careless shot was caught by Zakir Hasan at gully. Shoriful Islam claimed two wickets in consecutive overs, reducing the hosts to 16-3 with captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam both returning to the pavilion after being caught behind by Litton Das. Masood was visibly upset over his contentious dismissal, as TV replays indicated the ball had struck his pad after missing the bat without any contact.
