Bangladesh-Pakistan Series
Mushfiq, Litton half-centuries propel Tigers to 316-5 at stumps on Day 3
|| CF DESK ||
Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das' half-centuries put Bangladesh in command on Day 3 as they posted 316-5 at stumps in reply to Pakistan's 448 in the first innings during the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
At the close of the day's play, Mushfiqur and Litton remained unbeaten on 55 and 52 runs respectively, having added a 98-run stand for the unfinished sixth wicket stand.
Bangladesh trail by 132 runs with five wickets in hand as the Rawalpindi pitch proved unresponsive, nearly quashing Pakistan's hopes of a big lead.
Opener Shadman Islam played an anchoring innings and scored a gritty half-century after Bangladesh lost two early wickets in the opening session of the day.
Shadman fell short of seven runs to score a hundred as he departed on 93 off 183 balls aided by 12 boundaries. Shadman, alongside Mominul Haque, formed a solid partnership, contributing a well-crafted 94-run partnership.
Mominul had to return just after scoring fifty, getting perished by Khuram on 50 runs.
Shakib Al Hasan fell for a petty 15 as the experienced all-rounder gave away his wicket attempting a poor shot against the part-time spinner Saim Ayub.
Resuming on 27-0, overnight batter Zakir Hasan was caught behind off Naseem Shah while skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 16 was axed by Khurram Shahzad leaving Bangladesh reeling on 53-2.
Khurram was the pick of bowlers with 2-47 while Naseem, Mohammad Ali and Ayub had a wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan smashed 171 and Saud Shakeel's 141 guided the hosts set a mammoth total before declaring their innings at 448-6.
Mohammad Shoriful and Hasan Mahmud bagged two wickets apiece for Bangladesh.