Beauty of Test cricket is that it changes very quickly: Imam-ul-Haq

Opener Imam-ul-Haq on Saturday said he does not want Pakistan to get complacent after their strong fightback on Day 2 of their first of two Tests against hosts Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

After Bangladesh dominated the opening day by posting 301 for four, Pakistan responded strongly on Day 2. They bowled Bangladesh out for 413 and reached 179 for one in reply at stumps.

Pakistan openers Azan Awais and Imam-ul-Haq put on a solid 106-run stand before the partnership was broken by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who dismissed Imam for 45. Awais, along with fellow debutant Abdullah Fazal, then shared an unbroken 73-run partnership to take Pakistan to a strong position.

Awais remained unbeaten on 85 off 133 balls, moving steadily towards a maiden Test century on debut, while Fazal also looked composed on 37.

Reflecting on the day’s play, Imam-ul-Haq admitted it was Pakistan’s day but cautioned against reading too much into the position.

“Yes, you could say that. Taking all the opposition’s [remaining] wickets for under 100 [Bangladesh scored 112 on the day] and being 179/1 ourselves means we won these sessions. However, the beauty of Test cricket is that it changes very quickly. We have to be patient because tomorrow will decide where this match is going,” the left-hander told reporters after the end of play.

Imam-ul-Haq also suggested that the third day of the opening Test will be crucial in deciding the direction of the match.

“It is very early to talk about a lead. Tomorrow is very important for us. There are small cracks opening up, and even today we saw some variation and uneven bounce. It will become more difficult as the match progresses into the third or fourth day.

“Therefore, this innings is vital; we want to bat long and deep. We are not thinking of a specific score, but if we can bat all day tomorrow, it will put us in a strong position,” he said.

He added that while Pakistan’s batting effort was encouraging, the game remains finely balanced.

“The most positive thing after that [Pakistan’s bowling] was our batting -- scoring quickly and building partnerships to reach 179/1. I won’t say we are completely back because 400 is still a large score and a few quick wickets can change everything. But if we play well in the first hour tomorrow, we will definitely be in a strong position.”

Imam-ul-Haq also praised brilliant batting from Awais on debut and also pacer Mohammad Abbas for his five-wicket haul.

“Everybody knows how good Abbas is. It really helps when you play a lot of domestic and county cricket. We knew the wicket would be like this, and that is why Abbas’s role is very important for the team. It does not matter if you do not have much pace when conditions allow for lateral movement; Abbas bowls very well in those situations. Today, when the partnership was going well, he came in and played a crucial role in getting them all out for under 100.

“Regarding the youngsters, especially Azan, I believe if you prioritise red-ball and domestic cricket, it shows. He has played 33 first-class matches and scored heavily, which is reflected in the way he batted under pressure today against quality pace. He held his composure and absorbed the pressure, which comes from his experience.”