Twitter Reactions: Shan Masood, Babar Azam make Bangladesh sweat

After the second day’s play in Rawalpindi, Pakistan are well and truly the front-runners against Bangladesh. Azhar Ali’s men shot the Tigers out for 233 after which their batters piled on the agony for the visitors. Shan Masood and Babar Azam’s superlative shows made sure that the hosts get a lead of 109 runs. With three days left, the match already seems to be out of Bangladesh’s radar.

Masood takes charge

Pakistan didn’t make a great start after Abu Jayed Rahi sent Abid Ali back for a duck in the day’s second over. But Shan Masood and skipper Azhar Ali (34) didn’t let more pressure built and got the hosts’ innings going. The duo added 91 together before Jayed removed Azhar. Masood took the attacking route and got to his fifty off 54 balls with Pakistan going into Lunch at 95/2 in 27 overs.

In the second session, Masood slowed down a wee bit. The left-hander looked good to play the post-Lunch session out, unscathed. He racked up his ton off 157 balls and his knock was laced with 11 fours. Unfortunately, Taijul Islam rattled his woodwork at the stroke of Tea. In the meantime, Babar Azam carried his form from the Sri Lanka series and tormented the rather hapless Tigers’ bowling.

Babar weaves magic

Before the Tea break, the Lahore-born accomplished his half-century off 79 deliveries. In the last session, Pakistan didn’t lose a single wicket and kept the Bangladesh bowlers at bay. Taijul worked hard for as many as 33 overs on the day with very little success. Rubel Hossain, who had a Test bowling average in excess of 80 prior to this game, gave away 77 runs at an alarming rate of 4.52.

Ebadot Hossain leaked runs at 5.21 and was the least-trusted among the regular bowlers, sending down 11 overs. For Pakistan, Babar piled his fifth Test ton off 134 balls and stayed unbeaten on 143 with 19 fours and a six off Taijul. His partner, Asad Shafiq also showed grit and resilience. Shafiq remained not out on 60 with eight boundaries in a useful partnership of 137 runs with Babar.

Here’s how Twitterati reacted to Babar and Pakistan’s dominance: –