Azhar, Younus make most of Bangladesh's no-ball woes

Pakistan’s attempt to salvage at least one win out of a desperately disappointing tour of Bangladesh got off to a sound start at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.

Younus Khan notched up another classy Test hundred to take his tally to 29, while Azhar Ali reached his ninth, as the hosts rued the overstepping acts of their bowlers. Both Azhar and Younus got a life as Mohammad Shahid and Soumya Sarkar went past the bowling crease in their delivery strides — Azhar had edged Shahid to the slips while Younus offered a gentle catch off Sarkar in the covers.

Mushfiqur Rahim tries to stump Azhar Ali but fails. PHOTO: AFP

However, other than these blemishes, the pair looked in command on another placid batting track in the series. The surfeit of runs at Khulna where the hosts made a miraculous comeback to halt Pakistan in the second innings perhaps made the hosts opt for another featherbed.

If Bangladesh have to become a team capable of winning Tests consistently at home, they must add some spice to the docile tracks and Mirpur was the perfect opportunity considering the battered minds of the Pakistan’s winless squad on the tour.

But now, it seems that the hosts would be left to rue the nature of the pitch and with the scoreboard reading 323-3, the hosts have to once again fight hard for survival.

Younus’ innings was another masterclass by arguably Pakistan’s best ever Test batsman. The right-hander, who is playing his 98th Test, has more runs by any batting great from around the world at this stage other than the West Indies legend Brian Lara.

Younus Khan sweep powerfully. PHOTO: AFP

His 250-run alliance with Azhar was the 59th time that the former captain featured in a century stand at Test level — the most by a Pakistan batsman.

Younus was in an aggressive mood from the outset and maintained a healthy strike-rate throughout before falling to Shahid at 148, five overs before the close of play. In all, the Mardan-born faced 195 balls, ending his innings with an extremely acceptable Test innings strike-rate of 75.89.

The authority with which he tackled the rather ordinary bowling attack can be gauged by his 11 fours and three sixes.

Azhar was once again stoic, but for a brief moment looked edgy as he was stranded in the forties for a long time before notching his eighth Test hundred off 212 balls. The Lahore-born is in his 41st Test and his irritating tendency of blocking endlessly even on fine batting surfaces has already cost him a few hundreds.

Perhaps Azhar needs to take a leaf out of Younus’ book and assert his presence more on the bowling attack. Mere occupation of the crease eventually forces the batsman to play a rash shot and Azhar has already lost his wicket innumerable times after prolonged stuttering phases.

On day two, Azhar would have his captain Misbahul Haq for company and the two must play positively and try and reach the 500-run mark by mid-day.

Azhar Ali hits through the leg side. PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan have to go for a win in Mirpur, since even a draw would cost them crucial ranking points, forcing a slide down their third place in the ICC Test rankings.

Meanwhile, the only change in the eleven looks questionable since the wicket hardly warrants a place for a third seamer. Imran Khan, who replaced Zulfiqar Babar, is a fast-medium bowler at best and does not really have the pace to unsettle batsmen on the Mirpur track.

Against Australia, Imran did bowl well with the old ball in his debut series last year, and one feels that the old ball would again be the most potent weapon for Imran, provided he hits his stride quickly after what has been a long lay-off.