Ali and Shafique provide Pakistan with a strong platform against Bangladesh.

CHITTAGONG,(AFP) – After bowling out Bangladesh for 330 on day two of the first Test in Chittagong on Saturday, Pakistan had a good platform thanks to an unbroken opening century partnership by Abid Ali and debutant Abdullah Shafique.

As Pakistan reached 145-0 at stumps, 185 short of Bangladesh’s first innings total, Ali closed in on his fourth Test century to remain unbeaten on 93, while Shafique was batting on 52.

Hasan Ali, Pakistan’s pace bowler, led the way earlier with the ball, ending with 5-51, his sixth five-wicket haul, keeping Bangladesh at bay after the hosts started with 253-4 in the morning.

Liton Das top-scored for Bangladesh with 114, adding just one run to his overnight tally, while Mushfiqur Rahim, who was undefeated on 82 at the close of the first day’s play, was bowled out for 91 runs.

Mehidy Hasan hit an unbeaten 38 to move Bangladesh above 300 before Hasan took two wickets in two balls to halt Bangladesh’s batting attempts.

On day one, Pakistan had Bangladesh on the ropes at 49-4, but the hosts rallied back due to Liton and Mushfiqur.

Pakistan looked crisp from the start of the second day’s play, as Hasan caught Liton leg-before in the second over.

Liton was first called not out after being struck on the back foot, but Pakistan successfully appealed the judgement.

Liton, who batted 233 balls and scored 206 runs with Mushfiqur, smashed 11 fours and a six in his 233-ball innings.

Hasan next dismissed Yasir Ali for four runs with a brilliant in-swinger that shook the debutant’s leg and middle stumps.

Faheem nicked a small edge off Mushfiqur’s bat, thus eliminating Bangladesh’s chances of a high total.

Mushfiqur struck 11 fours in his 225-ball stay at the crease.