Close Pakistan 436 for 6 (Razzaq 114*, Latif 94, Youhana 72) lead Bangladesh (160) by 276 runs
scorecard

310 runs for the loss of just three wickets meant that Pakistan took all the honours on day two of the first Test at Dhaka. Abdur Razzaq and Rashid Latif feasted on a mediocre bowling attack, putting on 175 runs for the sixth wicket, and in the process, injected some much-needed momentum to the innings. Razzaq was undefeated on 114 at close of play, while Latif fell just six short of his century.

The Bangladeshi bowlers toiled manfully, but were woefully short of firepower on a placid surface. With Pakistan's lead now a formidable 276, Waqar Younis should look to wrap up the innings early tomorrow, and have Bangladesh's batsmen face the music again.

The day belonged to Razzaq and Latif. Night watchman Saqlain Mushtaq offered stodgy resistance for 14 overs this morning, before Enamul Haque trapped him in front for 9 (162 for 4).

Youhana was joined by Razzaq, and the two took Pakistan to 216 for 4 at lunch. Youhana hardly ever looked in trouble, but fell in the first over after lunch, a victim of a misunderstanding with Razzaq (221 for 5). Youhana's 72 was laced with 11 fluent fours.

Latif's entry to the crease brought about an urgency that had been missing earlier on. Pakistan had been scoring at a touch above three runs an over against a modest attack, but Latif was in no mood to play the waiting game.

He started the onslaught by slamming debutant offspinner Fahim Muntasir for three fours in an over. Razzaq, who had played a patient knock until then, joined in, lifting Haque over midwicket to bring up his 50 off 101 balls.

Muntasir suffered more punishment, as Latif smashed a four to bring up a 67-ball 50, and celebrated by lofting his next delivery over long on for six. Latif then waded into Haque, getting two fours in his next over, as 77 came in a nine-over period.

Mohammad Sharif finally broke through for Bangladesh, having Latif caught at mid-on off a slower ball (396 for 6). Razzaq slowed down as he approached his 100, and finally got there with a pushed single to short cover.

An illness had kept Inzamam-ul-Haq in the pavilion and he finally came in at No 8, but got into top gear quickly, lofting Haque for four, and then pulling him over square leg for six. Tomorrow could be another long day for Bangladesh.

S Rajesh is sub editor of Wisden.com, India.

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