PAK vs BAN: 'Dream wicket' for Shoriful Islam as Babar Azam departs for a DUCK; Indian fans don't hold back
Currently, Saim Ayub (42 off 68) and Saud Shakeel (28 off 32) have steadied the ship, with the score at 81 for 3 in 21 overs.
Updated : August 21, 2024 05:22 PM ISTCurrently, Saim Ayub (42 off 68) and Saud Shakeel (28 off 32) have steadied the ship, with the score at 81 for 3 in 21 overs.
Babar Azam
Not the ideal start Pakistan were hoping for against Bangladesh in the 1st Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh's bowlers put on a show after a delayed start, claiming three key wickets before the Tea Break. The Bangladeshi pacers gave them a perfect start by picking up three early wickets: Abdullah Shafique (2 off 14), skipper Shan Masood (6 off 11), and Babar Azam (0 off 2).
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While Shafique fell early and Masood succumbed to a successful review despite a heated argument with the on-field umpire, Babar Azam was dismissed after being strangled down the leg side. Pakistan were reeling at 16/3. In the 8th over, Shoriful Islam delivered a back-of-a-length ball outside the leg stump. Babar, in his trigger movement, attempted to guide the ball but only managed a slight touch. Litton Das showcased his fielding prowess with a full dive and a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Babar Azam.
Bangladesh 🆚 Pakistan | 1st Test | Day 01
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) August 21, 2024
TEA | Pakistan 81/3, 21 Ov
PC: PCB#BCB #Cricket #BDCricket #Bangladesh #PAKvBAN #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/PhqpvleIZ4
Interestingly, Shoriful Islam had previously revealed that it was his dream to claim the wicket of Babar Azam. Speaking to Cricket Pakistan, the Bangladesh pacer had said, "Babar is a tough challenge for Bangladesh. So, we have to take his wicket quickly. He is also my dream wicket. I will be very happy if I can get his wicket." And surely enough, his dream came true.
In response, Indian fans took to social media, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter), to troll the Pakistani batter, especially after his side had lost two early wickets.
16th Aug - Shoriful Islam “Babar Azam is my dream wicket
— SportsOnX (@SportzOnX) August 21, 2024
21st Aug - he got his wicket #PAKvsBAN #Test #Pakistan #Bangladesh #BabarAzam𓃵 pic.twitter.com/mSCMFZTy04
Don't ever dare to compare Babar Azam with Virat Kohli
— Faraz (@being_faraz86) August 21, 2024
He is nowhere near to kohli#PAKvsBAN pic.twitter.com/aTLwduUMPl
Legend Babar Azam miss his Century just from 100 runs😃#PAKvsBAN pic.twitter.com/1ah1UPtkni
— Jaidad Hussain Jafri ( Adv) (@Jaidad1070) August 21, 2024
17th August: Shoriful Islam said Babar Azam is my dream wicket
— rafay. (@theslipscordons) August 21, 2024
21st August: He dismisses Babar Azam for a duck.
Another day of babar azam humiliating Pakistan pic.twitter.com/LMCpVxforE
Earlier, Pakistan was rocked when captain Shan Masood was dismissed under what can only be described as a controversial decision. The atmosphere was charged as he had a heated exchange with the umpire and appeared visibly furious while trudging off after scoring just six runs from 11 balls.
— hiri_azam (@HiriAzam) August 21, 2024
Currently, Saim Ayub (42 off 68) and Saud Shakeel (28 off 32) have steadied the ship, with the score at 81 for 3 in 21 overs. The duo batted with positive intent and kept the scoreboard ticking, adding 65 runs for the fourth wicket and looking set to add a few more. The early moisture on the wicket has disappeared, and the ball is not doing much.