Mohammad Rizwan’s stunning one-handed catch on Day 3 of the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh has left fans and experts in awe. The wicketkeeper’s brilliance dismissed Zakir Hasan, providing Pakistan with a crucial breakthrough.
Bangladesh openers Hasan and Shadman Islam had added just four runs on Day 3 before Naseem Shah’s delivery found Hasan’s outside edge. Rizwan, alert behind the stumps, dived to his left and completed a spectacular one-handed catch.
The catch was a testament to Rizwan’s exceptional reflexes and athleticism. It also highlighted the importance of wicketkeeping in Test cricket, where every dismissal can turn the tide of the match.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam fought valiantly, scoring a half-century to lead his team to 134-2 at lunch on Day 3. The left-hander, along with Mominul Haque, defied Pakistan’s pace attack on a Rawalpindi pitch that had slowed down considerably.
The visitors still trail Pakistan’s first innings total of 448-6 by 314 runs with eight wickets intact. However, the unbroken third-wicket stand between Islam and Haque has given Bangladesh hope of a comeback.
Pakistan employed all four pacers but missed the services of a frontline spinner. Part-time slow bowler Agha Salman has made little impact so far.
The match resumed at 27-0, with Bangladesh losing Zakir Hasan to Rizwan’s catch in Naseem Shah’s fifth over. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was also dismissed for 16, leaving the visitors on 53-2.
Haque has batted with confidence, hitting four boundaries. Islam, on the other hand, reached his third Test half-century with a boundary off Naseem Shah’s last delivery before the interval.
The match is evenly poised, with both teams having their chances. Pakistan will be looking to build on their first innings lead, while Bangladesh will aim to continue their recovery and set a challenging target for the hosts.
