Live Score: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test Day 3

Heading into Day 3, all eyes will be on the Bangladeshi openers, who survived a tricky 2-over period late on Day 2, where Shadman Islam was dropped first ball. Although the pitch eased out to some extent as the day progressed yesterday, there continued to be some assistance for the bowlers, particularly spinners, which will pose a challenge for Bangladesh's lineup. Bangladesh will be focused on starting well and putting Pakistan under further pressure. Stay tuned for an exciting day of cricket, starting early with the first ball at 4.45 am GMT.

For Pakistan, skipper Shan Masood initially led the charge with an intent-laden fifty. His inning, however, was cut short, preventing him from making a more significant impact. Saim Ayub, too, could not kick on after reaching his fifty. Agha Salman, showing tenacity, held the fort with the tail, managing to push the total past 250. His efforts were crucial in preventing a complete collapse and ensuring Pakistan had a respectable total.

Bangladesh's bowlers shone brightly on a surface that offered assistance, particularly for the spinners. Mehidy Hasan emerged as the star of the day, claiming a five-wicket haul and dismantling Pakistan's batting lineup. Pakistan, batting first, could only muster 274 runs, with only three of their top seven batters converting starts into fifties. Despite the familiar conditions, the Pakistani batters struggled to impose themselves against a determined Bangladeshi bowling attack.

Hello and a warm welcome, folks! As Day 3 dawns in Rawalpindi at the ongoing Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, the visitors have their noses in front after an impressive performance on Day 2. Bangladesh have shown remarkable resilience and skill on this tour of Pakistan, and they continued their dominance on a day marked by disciplined bowling to inflict setbacks on the hosts.

Right then, after the first day dampened our spirits with no play possible, the second day delivered and how! The momentum swung back and forth, but at the end of the day, Bangladesh will be the happier of the two sides. With Pakistan trailing in the series, they need to force a result with three days left in the Test. Moreover, with rain expected on the last two days, they will need to strike early on Day 3 and make the most of the new ball and early movement on offer. As for Bangladesh, there are runs to be had if the batters apply themselves. We saw that batting became easier as the ball got older. It will be yet another early start with the first ball on Day 3 to be bowled at 4.45 am GMT. As always, you can join us earlier for the build-up. See you then. Cheers!

Earlier in the day, after Pakistan were inserted into bat, Taskin Ahmed executed a perfect setup to dismiss Abdullah Shafique in the first over. Shan Masood came out with intent, and together with Saim Ayub, they successfully weathered the early storm. Masood, in particular, focused on rotating the strike with singles and twos to keep the scoreboard ticking. Despite the early setback, this partnership helped Pakistan recover and head to Lunch at 99/1.

After the early wicket in the first over of the first session, Pakistan dominated the rest of that period. Bangladesh needed to find a way back into the game, and they did just that by chipping away at the wickets throughout the second session. The momentum shifted with Mehidy Hasan's twin strikes, and the rest of the bowlers supported him by maintaining tight control. Saud Shakeel, who was dropped on 1, couldn't make the most of his reprieve, and things got even better for Bangladesh when Shakib Al Hasan trapped Babar Azam right in front of the stumps just before the Tea break.

As play resumed after Tea, Nahid Rana cranked up the pressure and was duly rewarded when he dismissed Mohammad Rizwan. This breakthrough opened one end for Bangladesh, putting Agha Salman and Pakistan in a tough spot. However, the situation brought out the best in Salman, who smartly farmed the strike and mixed caution with aggression to keep the scoreboard ticking. Dropped before he had even opened his account, Salman made the most of that error by Zakir Hasan. His knock of 54 added some respectability to the Pakistan total, but given they were 107/1 in the second session, they will be disappointed to have ended with just 274.

Wow, an eventful couple of overs to end the day's play! Pakistan will be left wondering what might have been if Saud Shakeel had held on to that catch off the very first ball. Who knows, they might have even snatched another wicket before Stumps. While the first session belonged to Pakistan, Bangladesh roared back in the next couple of sessions. As many as four catches went down, and had they been taken, could have put Bangladesh in an even stronger position at the close of play.

Will we have one more over? Yes, it looks like there's just enough time for one more. It will be Khurram Shahzad to bowl the last over of the day.