Cricket: Pakistan eye win in 1st Test

Younus hits unbeat­en 200, Bangla­desh still trail by 325 runs in second-inning­s.

CHITTAGONG: Younus Khan cracked an unbeaten double century and Asad Shafiq made his maiden international hundred as Pakistan closed in on victory in the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.

Younus smashed a solid 200 not out and Shafiq an impressive 104 as Pakistan posted 594 for five declared in their first-innings in reply to Bangladesh’s 135.

The hosts faltered against spin before reaching 134 for four in their second-innings at stumps, with debutant Mohammed Nazimuddin and Shakibal Hasan both unbeaten on 41, still trailing by 325 runs.

Younus ecstatic after  double ton

The former captain, who hit his third double century in Tests, dedicated his knock to his family. “I’m very happy with the double century,” said Younus. “Credit goes to the coaches and management of Pakistan’s team. I dedicate this double hundred to my family.”

Off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez, who was pressed into Pakistan’s attack after only five overs, struck with his fifth delivery after tea when he bowled opener Tamim Iqbal for 15.

Bangladesh lost three wickets in the space of six runs after Nazimuddin and Shahriar Nafees added 50 for the second wicket, with off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman and paceman Aizaz Cheema doing the damage.

Nafees made 28 and Nasir Hossain scored three, while Mohammad Ashraful failed to open his account before Nazimuddin and Shakib added 54 for the unbroken fifth-wicket stand to steady the innings.

Batting failure again

“Our batting has not been up to expectations, maybe the confidence is a bit low at the moment. But still there was some positive batting from Shakib and Nazimuddin,” said Bangladesh spinner Elias Sunny.

Pakistan declared in the afternoon session right after Younus completed his double century. Younus dominated the attack, hitting three sixes and 18 fours.

Bangladesh continued to struggle for success as Younus and Shafiq put on 259 for the fifth wicket.

“I knew I’ll get my first hundred because I’m working hard. It’s a dream come true,” said Shafiq. “It was a pleasure to bat with Younus because he kept correcting me when I played wrong.”

Sunny broke the stand when he dismissed Shafiq, who cracked two sixes and nine fours before being caught by Nafees at long-off while going for a big shot.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 12^th, 2011.