DHAKA, MAY 10 (V7N) - On a rain-interrupted Day 3 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh regained the upper hand in the first Test against Pakistan, thanks to a masterful performance by off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Miraz’s 14th career five-wicket haul ($5\text{-}102$) was the cornerstone of the home side's fightback, allowing Bangladesh to bowl Pakistan out for 386 and secure a slim but vital 27-run first-innings lead. By the close of play, which was cut short due to bad light, Bangladesh reached $7\text{-}0$ in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 34 runs.

The day began with Pakistan in a strong position at $179\text{-}1$, led by debutant Azan Awais, who etched his name into the record books by scoring 103. Awais became the 15th Pakistani batsman to score a century on Test debut, anchoring a significant portion of the innings alongside fellow debutant Abdullah Fazal ($60$). However, the momentum shifted quickly in the opening hour as Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz tore through the top order, claiming four wickets for just 20 runs. During this spell, Taskin Ahmed claimed his 50th Test wicket, joining an elite group as only the third Bangladeshi pacer to reach the milestone.

Pakistan attempted to claw back into the lead through a resilient 119-run partnership between Salman Agha ($58$) and Mohammad Rizwan ($59$). Their stand threatened to put Pakistan in front until Taijul Islam provided the breakthrough by dismissing Rizwan just before a rain delay. Following the resumption of play, Nahid Rana removed Salman Agha, and Miraz efficiently polished off the tail, dismissing Noman Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi in quick succession to complete his five-wicket milestone.

With two days remaining, the match stands finely balanced. Bangladesh’s openers, Mahmudul Hasan ($2^*$) and Shadman Islam ($0^*$), will look to build on their 34-run cushion tomorrow morning. While Pakistan’s debutants showed immense promise, the discipline of the Bangladeshi spin attack and Taskin's milestone-reaching pace have ensured that the hosts remain in the driver's seat as they head into Day 4.

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