Pakistan’s debutants Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal shared an unbeaten 73-run partnership to guide the visitors to 179-1 at stumps on day two on Saturday, trailing Bangladesh by 234 runs in the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

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 for the total, while veteran Mushfiqur Rahim added a gritty 71.

Taskin Ahmed provided a late surge with a 19-ball 28, helping 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 a clinical Mohammad Abbas.

Utilizing the early conditions, Abbas claimed 5-51, while Shaheen Shah Afridi provided vital support with 3-67, including the crucial 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 for Bangladesh.

Miraz trapped Imam (45) leg before wicket with a delivery that skidded through to hit the stumps; a desperate review by the opener failed to overturn the decision.

Awais remained unbeaten on 85 at the close of play, striking 12 boundaries and moving within sight of 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 play on Sunday morning looking to further reduce the deficit, while Bangladesh will seek early breakthroughs to regain control on a wearing Mirpur track.