Afridi sizzles as Pak back in the contest

It’s still an even contest between bat and ball, and an even contest between Bangladesh and Pakistan as well.

Taijul loomed large over the proceedings, taking out seven wickets as Pakistan lost ten wickets on the day for 141 runs. But a searing Shaheen Shah Afridi then picked up three wickets in a rush, and Bangladesh went to stumps precariously placed at 39 for 4, effectively 83 for 4.

In a hostile, glorious display of fast bowling, Pakistan ensured they kept a foot in the door.

Shadman Islam was trapped in front as went across to one that jagged back in. Two balls after that wicket, Najmul Hossain Shanto nicked off to Shafique at first slip and the debutant completed a smart catch diving forward. Shaheen bent his back when pitching short, and one of those produced the wicket of Saif Hassan, the ball fended back to the bowler. At the other end, Hasan coaxed a leading edge from captain Mominul Haque off his second delivery.

Bangladesh survived another scare right at the death when a strong lbw shout from Nauman was turned down - it had spun too much. Another nearly rolled along the ground after bouncing, further illustrating the challenges of batting in the fourth innings.