After bowling out Bangladesh for 233 runs on the first day, Pakistan batsmen makes hay as they have ended day 2 in a commanding position played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
The visitors had a great start to day 2 as Abu Jayed dismissed Abid Ali for 0. Shan Masood and Azhar Ali took the advantage of the poor bowling by the Bangladeshi bowlers. Both looked in fine touch against Rubel Hossain, Ebadat Hossain and other bowlers. Shan Masood reached his fifty off just 54 balls and looked in complete control. Before the lunch break, Abu Jayed struck again to get rid off Azhar Ali. Ali and Shan added 91 runs for the 2nd wicket. At lunch, Pakistan were 95 for 2.
Soon after the lunch, Bangladesh missed a golden chance to get the wicket of Babar Azam as Ebadat Hossain dropped an easy catch. He took the advantage with attacking stroke play and made life tough for Bangladesh bowlers, reaching his fifty off 79 balls. Shan Masood on the other hand reached his century off 157 balls. Before the stroke of tea, Taijul Islam got wicket of Shan Masood for exact 100. Masood and Babar added 112 runs for the 3rd wicket. At tea, Pakistan were 206 for 3.
In the 3rd session, Babar Azam looked in complete control taking on the Bangladeshi bowlers. Asad Shafiq looked shaky at the start before putting pressure on the visitors. Babar played Taijul with great control and pacers with ease. Babar reached his 5th Test century off 134 balls. Shafiq impressed with his stroke play and looked to attack the Bangladeshi bowlers to reach his fifty off 83 balls. Bangladeshi captain took the 2nd new ball in 84th over. Babar and Shafiq stamped their authority on Bangladeshi bowlers to end day 2 on 342 for 3 as bad light called play. Both batsmen have added so far 137 runs for the 4th wicket.
Pakistan 342 for 3 in 87.5 overs (Babar Azam 143*, Shan Masood 100, Asad Shafiq 60*, Abu Jayed 2/66) lead Bangladesh 233 in 82.5 overs (Mohammad Mithun 63, Najmul Shanto 44, Shaheen Shah Afridi 4/53) by 109 runs.
