Veteran batsman Younis Khan and Azhar Ali struck fluent centuries on Wednesday as the duo propelled Pakistan to a commanding 323-3 against Bangladesh at stumps on day one of the second and final Test in Dhaka.
Put in to bat first, Pakistan struggled against a menacing Bangladesh bowling unit as they lost both openers Mohammad Hafeez and Sami Aslam cheaply for eight and 19 respectively.
While Hafeez, who scored a double-ton in the drawn first Test in Khulna, was caught behind by wicketkeeper-batsman Mushafiqur Rahim off Mohammad Shahid’s delivery, Aslam fell prey to Taijul Islam’s bowling.
Subsequently, Azhar and Younis steadied the ship by staging a strong counterpunch as the duo piled up 250 runs for the third wicket before the dismissal of the latter.
Younis made 148, including 11 fours and three sixes, before he was dismissed by Shahid.
Azhar, meanwhile, displayed a gritty show as he remained unbeaten on 127, with captain Misbah-ul-Haq also at the crease on 9 not out.
Pakistan are aiming for their first win at the end of a month-long tour in which they were decimated 3-0 in the one-day series and subsequently lost the lone Twenty20 international for the first time against Bangladesh. (ANI)