Pakistan's first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi began on a shaky note as they lost three early wickets, with Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), and Babar Azam all dismissed for single digits. The top order's collapse put Pakistan in a precarious position, raising concerns about their ability to post a competitive total. However, the young duo of Saud Shakeel and Saim Ayub steadied the innings, showing maturity beyond their years. Ayub contributed a vital 56 before falling, but it was the partnership between Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan that truly turned the tide in Pakistan's favor.

Rizwan and Shakeel led a remarkable recovery, building a solid foundation that allowed Pakistan to post a formidable first-innings total. Shakeel's resilient 141 and Rizwan's unbeaten 171 were the pillars of Pakistan's innings, helping them recover from the early setbacks and declare at 448/7. Their partnership not only erased the early deficit but also put Pakistan in a commanding position, demonstrating the depth and resilience of their batting lineup.

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Decoding Rizwan's 171: How He Mastered Bangladesh's Attack

Mohammad Rizwan's innings in the first Test against Bangladesh was a masterclass in resilience and adaptability. Coming in at a time when Pakistan was reeling after losing three early wickets, Rizwan had the unenviable task of steadying the ship and guiding his team out of troubled waters. He played with a perfect blend of caution and aggression, ensuring that Pakistan didn’t lose further ground. His 171 runs off 237 balls were a testament to his concentration, skill, and ability to pace his innings according to the situation.

Rizwan showed his versatility by taking on both the Bangladeshi pacers and spinners with equal prowess. Against the fast bowlers, he was particularly effective, scoring 92 runs off 98 balls at a strike rate of 93.88. His ability to judge the length early and get into position quickly allowed him to find gaps consistently on the off-side. He made the most of any loose deliveries, driving and cutting with precision, while also showing an excellent temperament to leave balls outside the off-stump. This approach ensured that the pacers never settled into a rhythm, keeping the pressure off Pakistan’s middle and lower order.

 His approach to the spinners, however, was more cautious and measured. Rizwan scored 79 runs off 139 balls against spin, with a strike rate of 56.83. He played with soft hands, rotating the strike and picking up singles, which frustrated the spinners and prevented them from tying him down. His footwork was impeccable, getting to the pitch of the ball when needed and going back deep in his crease to play late. The control he exhibited against spin was crucial in negating Bangladesh’s main threat on a pitch that was beginning to show some signs of turn.

The wagon wheel of Rizwan’s innings further highlights his balanced scoring across the field. He was particularly strong on the leg side, accumulating significant runs with deft flicks and well-placed shots into the gaps. His ability to find runs on both sides of the wicket made it difficult for the Bangladeshi bowlers to set a field against him. The distribution of his runs—ranging from 39 on the leg side through square leg to 35 on the off side—underscored his all-round game and the difficulty Bangladesh faced in containing him.

By the time Pakistan declared at 448/7, Rizwan remained unbeaten on 171, having anchored the innings and put his team in a commanding position. His innings not only helped Pakistan recover from a precarious situation but also demonstrated his value as a reliable middle-order batsman who can adapt to different conditions and bowling attacks. Rizwan's innings was a perfect blend of technical prowess, mental toughness, and strategic acumen, showcasing why he is considered one of Pakistan's most dependable batsmen in the longer format.

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