Bangladesh pacers made full use of favourable conditions on a greenish wicket before half-centuries from Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel rescued Pakistan to 158/4 on the opening day of the first Test on Wednesday.

The tourists had Pakistan on the mat at 16/3 after wet patches on the outfield of Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from early morning rain had delayed the toss for over four hours.

But left-handed opener Ayub, who hit 56, and vice-captain Shakeel, unbeaten on 57, shared an aggressive 98-run fourth wicket stand before seamer Hasan Mahmud (2/33) broke through in the final session and had Ayub caught in third slip.

Ayub patiently saw off the early seam and swing of the Bangladesh quicks before striking four boundaries and a six in his 98-ball knock.

Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan was batting on 24 at stumps.

“The wicket was difficult early on and Bangladesh bowlers didn’t give us the margin,” Ayub said. “I have a good understanding with Saud and when there’s partnerships, things do look easy.”

After the wet patches dried up, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and his decision to field meant early success on a damp wicket. Mahmud lured Abdullah Shafique (2) to go for a drive and Zakir Hasan took an acrobatic catch in the gully.

PTI