Azan marks Test debut with magnificent ton before Taskin strikes

Pakistan opener Azan Awais converted his overnight score into a memorable maiden century on debut as the visitors continued to dominate Bangladesh on the third morning of the opening Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

The left-hander resumed the day on 85 and showed remarkable composure throughout his innings before reaching the three-figure mark in the 51st over. Awais brought up his century with a single off the fifth delivery from Nahid Rana, becoming only the 14th Pakistan batter to score a hundred on Test debut.

His achievement was even more significant as he became just the third Pakistan player to register a Test century on debut away from home.

Bangladesh eventually found the breakthrough through Taskin Ahmed after Awais attempted an expansive shot outside off stump. The right-arm pacer induced an outside edge with a short-of-a-length delivery, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto completed the catch at slip.

Awais departed after a superb knock of 103 off 165 deliveries, striking 14 boundaries during an innings that combined discipline with elegant strokeplay.

Captain Shan Masood joined Abdullah Fazal after the departure of Azan. However, Taskin struck again to remove the Pakistan skipper, while spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz trapped Saud Shakeel lbw as the hosts clawed back after a disappointing bowling performance on Day 2.

Miraz then broke the resistance of Abdullah Fazal, who scored 60 off 120 balls.

Resuming the day on 179–1, Pakistan reached 230 for five in 63.4 overs.