Abbas takes five as Pakistan close strongly after Bangladesh post 413 in Dhaka

DHAKA: Mohammad Abbas returned a five-wicket haul to help bowl Bangladesh out for 413 before Pakistan’s top order, led by two debutants, put the visitors in a solid position at the close of the second day of the first Test on Saturday.

Pakistan ended the day on 179-1, still 234 runs behind, with opener Azan Awais unbeaten on 85 and fellow debutant Abdullah Fazal not out on 37. The pair helped steady the innings after Imam-ul-Haq’s dismissal and kept Pakistan firmly in the contest after Bangladesh had resumed the morning on 301-4.

Abbas was Pakistan’s most effective bowler as he struck three times in the morning session and added two more wickets after lunch. He finished with 5-92 in 34 overs, registering the sixth five-wicket haul of his Test career.

Bangladesh add 112 after overnight recovery

Bangladesh had built their platform on the opening day through captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 101. Mushfiqur Rahim, who resumed on 48 not out, went on to score 71 from 179 balls in a determined innings. According to the match report, he marked his 39th birthday by drawing level with Tamim Iqbal’s Bangladesh record of 42 scores of 50 or more in Test innings.

The hosts began the second day positively, but Abbas broke through with disciplined bowling. Litton Das was dismissed for 33 while trying to play a pull shot. Mehidy Hasan Miraz made 10 before falling to Abbas a ball after hitting a six, while Taijul Islam edged a bouncer to depart for 17.

In the first over after lunch, Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled Mushfiqur. Taskin Ahmed then added a brisk 28 late in the innings before Afridi removed him as well. Afridi ended with figures of 3-113.

Pakistan make assured reply

Pakistan’s response began confidently as Imam and Azan put on 106 for the first wicket. Imam made 45 before he was trapped lbw by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

After that breakthrough, Azan remained composed and carried on, while Abdullah Fazal supported him at the other end to ensure Pakistan finished the day without further damage.

Bangladesh senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin said his side had missed the chance to push their total higher and also pointed to fielding concerns after two catches were put down.

I think if we could have scored another 50-60 runs, it would have been much better for us.

Our slip catching needs a lot of improvement. It is a specialised area, and we will talk about how to improve further.

Imam praised Abbas for his spell and also commended the two newcomers for the way they handled the situation.

Abbas bowled very well, everybody knows how good he is.

The way Azan batted, taking and absorbing all the pressure, the kid really held his composure. I am very happy to see both of them playing so well.

With Pakistan 179-1 at stumps and both overnight batters settled, the visitors will look to build further on the third day after Abbas’ spell helped limit Bangladesh to 413.