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.
![Babar Azam Babar Azam](https://imagesv2.desimartini.com/images/202408/babar-azam-1724240944.jpeg?width=800&quality=50&format=webp)
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.
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.
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.
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.