Opener Mohammad Hafeez was 137 not out in powering Pakistan to 227/1 and 105 runs behind Bangladesh after two days of the first cricket Test on Wednesday. Bangladesh resumed its first innings on 236/4 and was bowled out for 332 three overs after lunch. Hafeez reached his third century in three tests, and eighth overall, with his eighth boundary. The sixth Pakistani to score centuries in three straight tests raised his bat, and did the sajdah. He and Azhar Ali, unbeaten on 65, have shared 177 runs in Pakistan’s highest second-wicket partnership against Bangladesh. Debutant Sami Aslam was the only batsman to fall, for 20 after a rapid opening stand of 50.
left-arm spinner Taijul Islam (1-43) broke the partnership as it looked threatening. Hafeez and Aslam shared 50 off 67 balls until Aslam grazed a leg-side delivery and was caught behind. The umpire gave not out, but Bangladesh won the appeal on video review. Azhar looked shaky at the start, and survived chances on 11 and 28. Mahmudullah dropped an easy catch at slip off Shakib Al Hasan, while captain Mushfiqur Rahim failed to hold another catch of Azhar off debutant fast bowler Mohammad Shahid. Mushfiqur injured his ring finger injury while trying to take the catch. He was taken to a hospital for X-rays, and Tamim Iqbal took over leading the side. Azhar went on to his 19th half-century by hitting Shakib for six, as Hafeez did in bringing up his 50 by whacking the same bowler over the midwicket fence.
Brief Scores
Bangladesh 1st innings: 332 (Mominul Haque 80, Imrul Kayes 51; Wahab Riaz 3/55, Yasir Shah 3/84). Pakistan 1st innings: 227/1 (Mohmmad Hafeez batting 137, Azhar Ali batting 65; Taijul Islam 1/43).