Bowlers help Pak rally as B’desh take lead

Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam

Bangladesh's Taijul Islam claimed his ninth five-wicket haul while Pakistan's Abid Ali hit a century as the first Test remained delicately poised in Chittagong on Sunday.

The hosts bowled out Pakistan for 286 at the stroke of tea on the third day to take a 44-run lead into the second innings thanks to the mesmerising bowling of Taijul, who finished with 7-116. But Pakistan struck back with Shaheen Afridi dismissing Shadman Islam (one), Najmul Hossain (zero) and Saif Hasan (18) to finish the day 3-6 and reduce Bangladesh to 39-4 at stumps.

Hasan Ali also scalped the wicket captain Mominul Haque for a duck to rob the hosts of their advantage. Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 12 alongside debutant Yasir Ali, 8 not out. Ali earlier made 133 off 282 balls, holding one end for Pakistan after Taijul's early strike of two wickets in two balls in the day's first over.

"Some patches are forming in the wicket for both off-spinners and left-arm spinners. But we will try to achieve whatever target is set for us," he added. Faheem Ashraf added 38 late in the innings to keep Pakistan in contention.

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