Shan, Babar hit tons as Pakistan eye big lead

Centuries from Shan Masood and Babar Azam put Pakistan in control of the Rawalpindi Test on Saturday.

At the end of the second day, the hosts have 342 for 3, which gives them a 109-run lead going into the third day.

In reply to Bangladesh's first innings total of 233, Pakistan's innings did not get off to a bright start as Abu Jayed removed in-form Abid Ali in the second over, with the batsman giving a catch behind the wicket.

Abid, who is playing his third Test, was eyeing to emulate former India captain Azharuddin's record of three centuries in the first three Tests of the career. He still has an outside chance though, if he can reach three figures in the hosts' second innings in the game, should Bangladesh be able to set them a big target.

After the fall of Abid, a 91-run second-wicket partnership between Shan and Azhar Ali kept Pakistan in the game. Abu Jayed got rid of Azhar near the end of the first session.

Before giving a catch to Najmul Hossain Shanto, Azhar made 34 courtesy of four fours.

Shan and Babar now added 112 in the third wicket stand, which was broken when the former was bowled by Taijul Islam. The opener's 100-run innings was studded with 11 fours.

After his departure, Babar and Asad Shafiq have had an unbeaten partnership of 137. The former got lucky when early in his innings he was dropped by Ebadat Hossain.

Babar has made 143 runs so far, hitting 19 fours and a six while Asad is on 60, made courtesy of eight fours.

Bangladesh need to strike at least a couple of times early on the third day to have any chances of getting something from this Test.