Pakistan’s debutants Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal shared an unbeaten 73-run stand to guide the visitors to 179-1 at stumps on day two, trailing Bangladesh by 234 runs.

The hosts were bowled out for 413 during the morning session. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 101 and Mominul Haque’s 91 provided the foundation, while Mushfiqur Rahim added a gritty 71.

Taskin Ahmed provided a late surge with a 19-ball 28 to help the side cross the 400-mark before the final wicket fell in the 118th over.

Pakistan’s pace attack spearheaded the morning fightback, led by Mohammad Abbas. Abbas utilized the early conditions to claim 5-51, while Shaheen Shah Afridi provided vital support with 3-67, including the key wicket of Mushfiqur.

In response, Pakistan navigated 46 overs with significant composure. Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Awais put on 106 before Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided the breakthrough. Miraz trapped Imam (45) leg before wicket with a delivery that skidded through to hit the stumps; a desperate review failed to save the opener.

Awais remained unbeaten on 85, striking 12 boundaries and nearing a debut century. He looked comfortable against both pace and spin alongside Fazal, who finished the day unbeaten on 37.

Bangladesh’s bowlers toiled in the final session as Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana struggled to find the movement seen earlier in the day. Miraz remained the most effective option for the hosts, finishing with 1-37 from 16 overs.

Pakistan will resume on Sunday morning looking to reduce the deficit, while Bangladesh seeks early breakthroughs to regain control on a wearing Mirpur track.