Pakistan drive home advantage with unbroken opening stand

LITON Das could not add much to his overnight score as Hasan Ali accounted for him. The bowler struck again to remove Yasir Ali and Bangladesh were six down early. The body blow though was delivered by Faheen Ashraf who nicked off Mushfiqur Rahim, who in turn fell tantalisingly short of his ton by 9 runs.

(Scores at stumps: Pakistan 145 for 0 (Abid 93*, Shafique 52*) trail Bangladesh 330 (Liton 114, Mushfiqur 91, Hasan 5-51) by 185 runs)
The tail did wag a little for Bangladesh after the departure of Rahim as Mehidy Hasan tried to hold the fort from one end but the all-rounder was left stranded on 38.

Hasan Ali was the go-to man and he came back and picked up the last two wickets. His five-for had handed the advantage to Pakistan as Bangladesh had started the day at 253 for 4 and could add only 77 as the remaining wickets fell pretty cheaply.

Pakistan openers then went into a defiant mode and ensured Bangladesh never had a sniff at picking up a wicket. Debutant Abdullah Shafique was put under some pressure and survived a loud lbw appeal.
Bangladesh didn’t opt for the review and were left to rue the only chance that they created. Not even half-chances were created after that, as the openers dealt with spin and seam in a similar adept manner.

Bangladesh pacers had started off with the new ball but hardly created an impression. Taijul did produce that occasional good ball and kept it tight but Pakistan openers had everything under control. Mehidy did not create enough pressure as the runs came at a decent pace.

Abid Ali, on the other hand, continued accumulating runs at his own pace and was only seven short of a ton by the end of the day. Abdullah also shed his inhibitions as the innings went along and got to his maiden Test fifty with a six.

Bangladesh could be on a leather hunt on Day 3 if they don’t pick up early wickets as this Pakistan line-up promises skills as well as depth. The pitch is still true and should be good for run-making on the third day too. (Cricbuzz)