Younis Khan cracked an unbeaten double-century and Asad Shafiq made his maiden international hundred as Pakistan closed in on victory after three days in the first Test against Bangladesh.
Younis smashed a solid 200 not out and Shafiq an impressive 104 as Pakistan posted 5 for 594 declared in its first innings in reply to Bangladesh's 135 in Chittagong.
The hosts faltered against spin before reaching 4 for 134 in their second innings at stumps, with debutant Mohammed Nazimuddin and Shakib Al Hasan both unbeaten on 41, still trailing by 325 runs.
Pakistan declared in the afternoon session immediately after Younis turned left-arm spinner Shakib to square-leg for two runs to complete his double-century, his third score of 200 or more in 72 Tests.
Younis dominated the Bangladeshi attack with rich strokeplay, hitting three sixes and 18 fours in his 290-ball knock.
"I'm very happy with the double-century and credit goes to the coaches and management of Pakistan's team. I dedicate this double-hundred to my family," said Younis.
Off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez, who was pressed into Pakistan's attack after only five overs, struck with his fifth delivery after the tea break when he bowled opener Tamim Iqbal for 15.
Bangladesh lost three wickets in the space of six runs after Nazimuddin and Shahriar Nafees added 50 for the second wicket, with off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman and paceman Aizaz Cheema doing the damage.
Nafees made 28 and Nasir Hossain three while Mohammad Ashraful failed to open his account before Nazimuddin and Shakib added 54 for the unbroken fifth-stand stand to steady the innings.
"Our batting has not been up to the expectations, maybe the confidence is a bit low at the moment. But still there was some positive batting from Shakib and Nazimuddin," said Bangladeshi left-arm spinner Elias Sunny.
AFP
Tags: cricket, sport, bangladesh, pakistan First posted December 12, 2011 08:13:04
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