Taufiq, Azhar hit fifties as Pakistan reach 139-1

DHAKA: Taufeeq Umar and Azhar Ali hit half-centuries as Pakistan reached 139-1 in their first innings at lunch in reply to Bangladesh's 338 on the third day of the second and final Test here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur on Monday.

Left-handed opener Umar was unbeaten on 66 at the break for his second successive Test half-century while Azhar was 52 not out as the tourists added 52 runs to their overnight total of 87-1 after a delayed start due to fog.

The pair have so far put on 116 runs for the unbroken second-wicket stand.

Umar, who scored 61 in the opening Test in Chittagong, completed his 13th half-century in 37 Tests with a single of paceman Nazmul Hossain. He has so far cracked nine fours in his 141-ball knock.

Azhar, who hit fast bowler Shahadat Hossain for two fours in the opening over of the day, reached his 12th Test half-century with a boundary off left-arm spinner Elias Sunny in the last over of the morning session.

Bangladesh had a chance to remove Umar on 56, but wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim did not even try to effect a stumping off left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan while confidently appealing for a catch down the leg-side.

Pakistan lead 1-0 in the series after winning the opening Test by an innings and 184 runs.