DHAKA: Young Pakistani batter Azan Owais produced a memorable performance on the third day of the Dhaka Test against Bangladesh by scoring a century in his very first Test match, becoming the 14th Pakistani cricketer to achieve the milestone on debut.
The talented batter completed his century off 153 deliveries, striking 14 boundaries during an impressive innings that showcased both patience and confidence under pressure. Azan Owais was eventually dismissed after scoring 103 runs, earning praise for his composure and technique in challenging conditions.
His innings provided a major boost to Pakistan after Bangladesh had posted a strong first-innings total earlier in the match.
Another Pakistan batter, Abdullah Fazal, also impressed in his debut Test appearance by scoring a half-century. The young batter played a steady innings and reached his fifty from 102 balls before continuing to build Pakistan’s total. He was later dismissed for 60 runs as Pakistan lost wickets in quick succession during the middle session.
At the start of play on the third day, Pakistan resumed their first innings at 179 for 1. Azan Owais returned to the crease unbeaten on 84 runs, while Abdullah Fazal resumed his innings on 37.
The pair continued to frustrate Bangladesh’s bowlers in the morning session, adding valuable runs and strengthening Pakistan’s position in response to Bangladesh’s first-innings score.
Azan Owais soon reached his landmark century, becoming only the 14th batter in Pakistan’s cricket history to score a hundred in his maiden Test innings. Cricket analysts described the knock as one of the brightest debut performances by a Pakistani batter in recent years.
However, Pakistan’s innings lost momentum after Owais’ dismissal. The team suffered a mini-collapse as wickets began to fall rapidly.
Pakistan lost its third wicket at 226 when captain Shan Masood was dismissed for just 9 runs. In the very next over, Saud Shakeel departed without scoring, leaving Pakistan in further trouble at 227 for 4.
Shortly afterward, Abdullah Fazal was dismissed for 60 with Pakistan’s total at 230, reducing the visitors to five wickets down after a promising start earlier in the day.
Bangladesh’s bowlers managed to regain control through disciplined bowling after Pakistan had looked set for a strong recovery. The hosts will now aim to restrict Pakistan’s lower order and secure a first-innings advantage.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh were bowled out for 413 runs in their first innings after several top-order batters produced solid performances.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led the scoring with an excellent 101-run innings, while Mominul Haque contributed 91 runs. Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim also played a key role with a valuable 71-run knock.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, who claimed five wickets with an accurate and disciplined spell. Shaheen Shah Afridi supported him effectively by taking three wickets, while Nauman Ali and Hasan Ali picked up one wicket each.
The Dhaka Test has attracted significant attention as both teams look to strengthen their positions in the ongoing series. Pakistan’s young debutants, particularly Azan Owais and Abdullah Fazal, have emerged as major positives for the visiting side despite the middle-order collapse.
Cricket experts praised Azan Owais for handling the pressure of Test cricket remarkably well on debut. His innings combined elegant stroke play with strong temperament, qualities considered essential for success in the longer format of the game.
The century is expected to boost the young batter’s confidence and may strengthen his chances of becoming a regular member of Pakistan’s Test squad in the future.
As the third day continues in Dhaka, the match remains evenly balanced, with both teams still fighting for control. Pakistan will hope its lower-order batters can add crucial runs and reduce Bangladesh’s first-innings advantage, while the hosts will aim to capitalize on the momentum gained from the quick wickets.
