Pakistan Stages Comeback After Rain-Disrupted Test Opener

Pakistan recovered from a shaky start on a rainy first day of the test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel scored fifties to guide Pakistan to 158-4. The hosts were reduced to 16-3 but built a solid platform under new head coach Jason Gillespie.

On a rain-hit opening day of the first test match in Rawalpindi, Pakistan overcame a shaky start against Bangladesh, thanks to half-centuries from Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel. The hosts managed to post 158-4 at stumps on Wednesday.

Initially reduced to 16-3, Ayub and Shakeel anchored the innings with a 98-run partnership. Ayub, after scoring 56, fell to Hasan Mahmud's pace, edging a delivery to Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Shakeel, unbeaten at 57, continued to stabilize the innings.

With Mohammad Rizwan also not out on 24, Pakistan built a solid foundation in new head coach Jason Gillespie's debut match. Earlier, controversial dismissals plagued Pakistan, most notably captain Shan Masood, whose exit post a close TV replay sparked debate.

(With inputs from agencies.)