Babar, Masood centuries keep Pakistan on top against Bangladesh in first Test

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.

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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.

Babar Azam (L) and Shan Masood take a break during the second day of the first cricket Test match against Bangladesh. AFP

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."

Azhar Ali (2L) celebrates with teammates Naseem Shah (L) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (3L) after the dismissal of Bangladesh's Mohammad Mithun (unseen) during the first cricket Test match. AFP

Pakistan lead Bangladesh's first innings total of 233 by 109 runs with six wickets intact.

Since his fighting century against Australia at Brisbane (104) in November last year, Azam has notched 102 not out and 100 not out against Sri Lanka in two Tests — making this his fourth hundred in five Tests.

In between he missed a hundred at Adelaide by a mere three runs.

Spectators take selfies as they watch the first day of the first cricket Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh. AFP

Azam steered spinner Taijul Islam to short third man boundary for his 15th four to complete three-figure mark off just 134 balls.

He has so far batted for 276 minutes, smashing 18 boundaries and a six. His previous best score was 127 against New Zealand in Dubai in November 2018.

Shafiq also batted with confidence, having so far hit eight boundaries in his 111-ball knock.

When Pakistan started their innings in the morning all focus was on Abid, who scored two hundreds in his first two Tests against Sri Lanka in December last year.

Mohammad Abbas celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Bangladesh batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto. AFP

Another hundred would have equalled Indian player Mohammad Azharuddin's unique record — three successive centuries in his first three Tests — but Abid fell far short when he was dismissed without scoring.

He edged a short and wide delivery from Jayed into the hands of wicketkeeper Liton Das and trudged off to the pavilion heartbroken.

Azhar added 91 runs for the second wicket with Masood and looked set for a big score until he miscued a drive off Jayed and was caught by Najmul Hossain Shanto in the slip.

Agence France-Presse