Mohammad Hafeez helps Pakistan take 205-run lead against Bangladesh

Mohammad Hafeez

Khulna (Bangladesh), April 30 (IANS) A sparkling maiden double century by Mohammad Hafeez (224) and some splendid batting by Pakistani batsmen put the tourists in a commanding position on the third day of the first Test here on Thursday.

The tourists piled up 537/5 at stumps after starting on an overnight score of 227/1, taking a lead of 205 runs. A scintillating 227-run stand between Hafeez and Azhar Ali (83) backed by five other 50-plus partnerships helped Pakistan claim the day, reports bdnews24.com.

Asad Shafiq (51) and Sarfraz Ahmed (51) were trying to extend Pakistan's first innings advantage at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium. Although Bangladesh bowlers broke the overnight stand between Hafeez, who started the day on 137, and Azhar, they failed to stop the flow of runs.

Rubel Hossain got the ball to reverse swing, but Bangladesh spinners could not extract much turn or bounce from the pitch and were repeatedly punished for wayward deliveries.

Even after Azhar was castled by a Shuvagata Hom Chowdhury quicker ball, Bangladesh could not keep the runs down as veteran Younis Khan (33) came in and added 62 with Hafeez.

Hafeez and Younis brought up their 50-run partnership as Pakistan went for lunch at 333/2.

After the break, Tajiul Islam went through Younis's gate when the veteran tried a lazy push to bring some relief to the hosts.

As Hafeez cruised towards his maiden double century, Bangladesh were trying to rein in the runs. But Hafeez and Misbah-ul-Haq (59) kept the scoreboard moving and added another 63 for the fourth wicket.

Hafeez veered Tajiul down the leg-side to bring up his maiden double century. He laced his innings with 23 fours and three sixes. His majestic knock ended when Mahmudullah took a sharp catch at leg slip when the batsman swept hard but gloved it off Shuvagata.

Pakistan went to tea at 421/4.

Bangladesh bowlers tightened their line and length in the last session, but Pakistan cropped up 66 runs for the fifth wicket before the hosts sent the Pakistan captain back.

Shafiq kept the Pakistan charge on track with Sarfraz, who showed urgency to score immediately after arriving at the crease as Pakistan brought up their 500 in the 139th over.

Sarfraz pressed on hammering Mahmudullah for several boundaries as the middle-order batsman scored his 50 off only 53 balls.

Tamim kept changing the bowling attack in the hope of a wicket as Shafiq and Sarfraz brought up half-centuries after putting up the sixth 50-plus partnership.

Pakistan added 116 runs in the final session as Tajiul returned with 3/116 while Shuvagata finished with 2/112.

Although Bangladesh had said on Wednesday that Mushfiqur Rahim's finger injury was not that serious, the regular Test captain was not on the field on Thursday. Imrul Kayes took his place behind the wickets and Tamim played the stand-in captain.