DHAKA, Feb 8, 2020 (BSS)- Bangladesh put the price of wretched bowling and
fielding and let Pakistan establish a full control over them just at the end
of the day two of the first Test in Rawalpindi on Saturday.
Before the bad light brought an end to the day, Pakistan reached 342-3,
taking a 109-run lead over the visitors.
Babar Azam, survived on 2, brought up his fifth century and remained
unbeaten on his Test highest 143, punishing the Bangladeshi bowlers in
disdain throughout the day. Along with him, Asad Shafiq was batting on 60.
Opener Shan Masood earlier was out on exact 100, after completing his third
Test century. Bangladesh was bowled out for 233 in its first innings.
But the Tigers had a wonderful start to the day when pacer Abu Jayed Rahi
and Abid Ali caught by wicket-keeper Liton Das for naught.
The joy was short-lived as Shan Masood and skipper Azhar Ali revived the
innings, playing with luck and pluck. They were consistently aided by the
lackluster Bangladesh bowling and put the side in driving seat in a short
time.
Rahi, however, came up with more disciplined bowling in his second spell
and rewarded with the wicket of Azhar just before the lunch break. The
Pakistan Test captain made 34 off 59, laced with four boundaries.
Bangladesh could have got Babar Azam too through left-arm spinner Taijul
Islam before the lunch should Ebadat Hossain not shelled the catch of him at
long-off.
Babar and Masood treated the bowling that lacked penetration with disdain
to rotate the scoreboard fluently.
Taijul operated tirelessly throughout the day and got the reward when he
rattled the stump of Masood after reached his century that also broke the
112-run partnership between him and Babar.
Masood struck 11 boundaries in a knock for which he played 160 balls.
Asad Shafiq joined Babar and kept the flow. They also kept the Bangladeshi
bowlers frustrated throughout the whole last session to share a 137-run for
the undefeated fourth wicket stand at nearly four-run an over.
Babar smashed 19 fours and one six in his scintillating 192 ball-143 (not
out). Shafiq was not as fluent as Babar but grinded out Bangladeshi bowling
in typical manner. He sent the ball across the rope eight times for his 111
ball-60 (not out).
Rahi ended with 2-66 while Taijul returned figures of 1-111.