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PrintKHULNA: Opener Mohammad Hafeez hit an unbeaten century as Pakistan reached 227 for one in reply to Bangladesh's 332 at stumps on the second day of the first Test in Khulna on Wednesday.
The tourists finally enjoyed a successful day on an otherwise miserable tour, where they were whitewashed 3-0 in the one-day series and lost to Bangladesh for the first time in a Twenty20 international.
Hafeez made 137 not out, his eighth Test hundred and the third in his last four innings, after Pakistan had ended Bangladesh's hopes of posting a mammoth first innings total.
Hafeez has so far hit 12 fours and two sixes after surviving a narrow escape in the fourth over of the innings when TV umpire Paul Reiffel overturned a decision for a catch at the wicket off Taijul Islam.
Hafeez put on 50 for the first-wicket with debutant Sami Aslam and 177 in an unbroken partnership with Azhar Ali, as the batsmen prospered at the Sheikh Abu Naser stadium.
Left-handed Aslam, who captained Pakistan's under-19 team before making the grade at senior level, was caught down the leg-side by wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim off Taijul.
Azhar survived two dropped catches by Rahim to remain unbeaten at stumps on 65, reaching his half-century with a six off Shakib Al Hasan.
Pakistan's spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed praised Hafeez, saying it was not easy to score runs on the slow pitch.
“Hafeez really batted well and showed his class,” Mushtaq said.
“It was awesome the way he played on what is a slow wicket where it's not easy to go for shots.
“We will obviously aim for a big total to put Bangladesh under pressure.”
