Karachi, Aug 23: Bangladesh's Habibul Bashar scored his career's second test century today as Bangladesh extended its lead to 163 at lunch on the fourth day of the first cricket test in Karachi's National stadium. Bangladesh was 221 for five at the break, but Danish Kaneria struck twice and removed the dangerous Bashar as well as Alok Kapali. The visitors conceded a 58-run first innings lead after Pakistan scored 346 in response to 288.
Razin Saleh was well set for his maiden test half century and was batting on 45 while wicketkeeper batsman Khaled Mashud was unbeaten on 13.
Bashar equaled his previous test-best of 108 made against Zimbabwe in 2001, but fell to Kaneria within the first hour of play after Bangladesh resumed at the overnight score of 163 for five with Bashar on 82. The 25-year-old right-hander tried an extravagant drive only to see Shabbir Ahmad picking up an easy catch at mid-off. Bashar and Saleh shared 111 runs for the fourth wicket in three hours before the partnership was terminated by Kaneria. Saleh scored his first run of the day after facing 49 deliveries.

Bashar, who made 71 in the first innings, made sure he didn't miss the century this time when he took a single off speedster Shoaib Akhtar to third man for his second century in 22 test matches. Alok Kapali failed to read Kaneria's googly and was bowled for just one.

Pakistan captain Rashid Latif took the second new ball three overs before the first session ended, but Akhtar and Ahmad failed to make further inroads into the Bangladesh batting lineup.
Bureau Report