‘Mohammad Rizwan was clearly told an hour before’ – Pakistan vice captain Saud Shakeel on decision denying wicketkeeper double tonne

Prior to the collaboration of Saud Shakeel and Rizwan, Pakistan was struggling at 114/4. The pair used caution and aggression to put up an enormous partnership of 240 runs off 386 balls, which put the hosts in a strong position. The legendary partnership was ended by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who bowled Shakeel for a brilliant 141 off 261 balls, but Rizwan maintained the fort.

In the first innings of the first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium late on Day 2, Pakistan declared at 448/6. Mohammad Rizwan, however, was left stranded on 171* as a result of the decision, preventing him from recording his first Test double century.

In order to help Pakistan surpass 400 runs, the wicketkeeper-batter maintained the scoreboard moving and forged vital alliances with Agha Salman and Shaheen Afridi. But Rizwan was hitting 11 fours and three sixes while batting on 171 from 239 balls when captain Shan Masood declared during the last session. Some supporters thought that the declaration call was made in a hurry, depriving the seasoned campaigner of a well-earned double tonne, which left them perplexed.

But vice captain Saud Shakeel, who was present at the post-match press conference, clarified that the 32-year-old was fully briefed about Pakistan’s preparations for a declaration well in advance.

“Look, in regards to Rizwan bhai’s double century, I don’t believe the decision to declare the innings was made in a hurry. Since it was made quite obvious to Rizwan bhai an hour earlier that we would be making the announcement at this time. He therefore knew when we would proclaim. “We will attempt to reach 450 before declaring,” he was informed, Shakeel stated during the news conference.

Teams have forgotten 500 used to be a thing, they now declaring at 450.

Should have allowed Rizwan to score double century.

— tachyphylaxis (@tachyyphylaxis) August 22, 2024

Bangladesh continues to trail by 421 runs as the openers began cautiously.

In the meantime, with the sun beaming down, the green top gradually turned into a belter for batters during Bangladesh’s first innings. The opening players for the Bangla Tigers survived a difficult counterplay sequence.

Also Read: BAN vs PAK: Mohammad Rizwan becomes the fifth wicketkeeper hitter from Pakistan to score 150 or more

Before Stumps, in the 12 overs of play that could be completed, the visitors reached 27 for no loss, although they were still down 421 runs.