Abbas and Awais shine as Pakistan claw their way back

Bangladesh's bowlers had a tough day as Pakistan clawed their way back on the second day of the first Test in Mirpur. Debutant Azan Awais led the charge with a dogged, unbeaten 85, putting on a century stand with Imam-ul-Haq before adding another 73 alongside fellow debutant Abdullah Fazal. Pakistan finished at 179 for 1, still 234 runs behind Bangladesh's first-innings total of 413.

Mohammad Abbas set the tone in the morning session, claiming his sixth Test five-wicket haul. He dismissed Litton Das (33), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taijul Islam, while Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Mushfiqur Rahim for 71 after lunch. Bangladesh lost their last six wickets for 75 runs, finishing at 413 — their highest total against Pakistan in Tests.

Pakistan's reply began shakily when Awais was struck on the helmet by the first ball he faced from Nahid Rana. He passed a concussion test and grew increasingly fluent, hitting three consecutive boundaries in the final session. Imam-ul-Haq made 45 before falling to Mehidy Hasan Miraz, but Abdullah Fazal (37*) survived a dropped slip chance late in the day to add 73 with Awais.

Brief scores: Pakistan 179/1 (Awais 85*, Imam 45; Miraz 1-37) trail Bangladesh 413 (Shanto 101, Mominul 91; Abbas 5-92) by 234 runs.