RAWALPINDI: Sparkling hundreds from Babar Azam and Shan Masood put Pakistan in command against Bangladesh on the second day of the first Test at Rawalpindi on Saturday.
Azam scored a career best unbeaten 143 for his third successive hundred in as many Tests — fifth of a burgeoning career — while opener Shan Masood made 100 as they pulverised a hapless Bangladesh attack at Rawalpindi stadium.
At close, Azam was still batting with Asad Shafiq on 60, piling agony on the visitors during their unbroken 137-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Masood said he and Azam have done their jobs.
“We have batted our way to take the team in a strong position and hope that the remaining batsmen come and score so that we can build a good lead,” said Masood, who hailed Azam as world class.
“When Babar was coming out to bat the crowd chanted ´Babar, Babar´ and that is the sign of a great batsman who is so popular.”
Pakistan lead Bangladesh´s first innings total of 233 by 109 runs with seven wickets intact.
