Dhaka, 09 May (H.S.): In the first Test match between Bangladesh and Pakistan being played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, the hosts Bangladesh reached 380/7 at lunch on the second day. Veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim remains unbeaten on 71 runs. Meanwhile, Mohammad Abbas took 4 wickets for Pakistan.

Pakistan had hoped that on the second day, Saturday, they would make a comeback by taking early wickets with the new ball, but Mushfiqur Rahim dashed their hopes. In the hot and humid weather, he played a patient innings, not allowing Pakistan's bowlers much success.

In the morning session of the second day, Bangladesh added 79 runs. For Pakistan, only Mohammad Abbas made an impact, taking the wickets of Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taijul Islam.

Litton Das started the day by hitting consecutive boundaries off the first three balls from Shaheen Shah Afridi, putting pressure on Pakistan.

Thereafter, Litton and Mushfiqur batted cautiously and comfortably negotiated the new ball threat.

Both batsmen completed a half-century partnership. However, Pakistan got their first breakthrough through Mohammad Abbas. He caught Litton Das out on a bouncer. Litton played a useful innings, taking the team to a strong position.

Thereafter, Mehidy Hasan Miraz tried to adopt an aggressive approach, but he was caught out off Abbas' delivery by Imam-ul-Haq. Taijul Islam also attempted to score quick runs but fell to Abbas' bouncer.

Mushfiqur Rahim held firm at one end and remained unbeaten on 71, taking the team to a strong position. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 101 runs, while Mominul Haque played an important knock of 91 runs.

Mohammad Abbas was the most successful bowler for Pakistan, claiming 4 wickets for 73 runs.

Brief Scores: Bangladesh 380/7 (Najmul Hossain Shanto 101, Mominul Haque 91, Mushfiqur Rahim 71*; Mohammad Abbas 4/73) vs Pakistan

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar