Sports Reporter :
Two centuries by Azhar Ali and Younis Khan helped Pakistan to make a respectable score of 323 for the loss of three wickets in the first innings against the hosts Bangladesh on the first day of the second and final Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday.
Pakistan made a disastrous start as the tourists lost their early two wickets for 58 runs.
Promising medium fast bowler Mohammad Shahid gave his team early breakthrough when opener Mohammad Hafeez was caught behind by wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim off Shahid for just 8 runs. At that time, Pakistan’s score was nine for the loss of one wicket.
Later, Sami Aslam, the other opener of Pakistan was caught at the mid-wicket by Shahadat Hossain off left-arm spinner Taijul Islam for 19 runs when the visitors total was 58 for the loss of two wickets.
After dismissal of Aslam, Azhar Ali and Younis Khan rescued their team from debacle adding together 250 runs for the third wicket partnership before Younis Khan was caught at the gully by Shuvagata Hom off Mohammad Shahid when the tourists total was 308 for the loss of three wickets.
After departure of Younis Khan, Azhar Ali and Misbah-ul-Haq added together 15 runs for the unbroken fourth wicket stand.
Younis Khan notched up an impressive 148. His 195-ball innings was studded with 11 fours and three sixes. It was Younis Khan’s 29th Test century. Younis Khan touched the Sir Don Bradman’s record. Bradman scored 29 Test century playing only 52 Test matches. On the other hand, Younis Khan touched Bradman’s record playing 98 Test matches.
Azhar Ali remained unbeaten with 127. His 268-ball knock was laced with 13 boundaries. It was Azhar Ali’s eighth Test century.
Misbah-ul-Haq was on nine before the two umpires drew the bails for the first day.
Mohammad Shahid bowled really well and finished as 21-6-43-2.
Taijul Islam took one wicket for 102 runs.
