Razzaq, Latif flay Bangladesh attack

Abdur Razzaq hammered a career-best 114 not out as Pakistan tightened their grip on the first Test against Bangladesh at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday.

The 22-year-old all-rounder's third Test century in 16 matches enabled Pakistan to post 436-6 in reply to Bangladesh's 160 at stumps on the second day. Inzamam-ul-Haq was batting on 22.

Razzaq struck three sixes and 14 fours in his 216-ball knock to surpass his previous best of 110 not out against Bangladesh in an Asian Test Championship match at Multan last year.

He was involved in a 175-run stand for the sixth wicket with wicket-keeper Rashid Latif, who also compiled a career- best 94 on a day when the hosts struggled for wickets.

Bangladesh attack was too mediocre to contain Pakistan, who scored 310 in 90 overs after having resumed at 126-3.

Left-arm spinner Enamul Haque finished with three for 134 and seamer Mohammad Sharif two for 86, but their efforts were not good enough to restrict the flow of runs.

Razzaq and Latif made the most of the Bangladeshi attack, gathering runs comfortably against both pace and spin to put their team in a commanding position.

The 33-year-old Latif hit two sixes and 10 boundaries to better his previous best of 71 against England at Old Trafford last year.

Pakistan lost night-watchman Saqlain Mushtaq early in the day, trapped leg-before by Haque after adding eight to his overnight score of one.

Razzaq then steadied the innings with a 59-run stand for the fifth wicket with Yousuf Youhana, who scored 72 before being run out in the post-lunch session. Youhana, 14 overnight, hit 11 fours in his 13th Test half-century.

There was, however, no respite for Bangladesh as Razzaq and Latif continued the dominate the bowling with a wide range of shots.

Razzaq's knock was a blend of caution and aggression, while Latif went for his shots from the beginning to keep pressure on the home team.

Latif, who played some innovative strokes, missed his maiden Test century when he was caught by Al Sahariar at mid-on off Sharif in the closing session.

Also read:
Day 1: Six-wicket Younis puts Pak in command

Mail Cricket Editor