Bangladesh has solid start in test against Pakistan

Bangladeshi batsman Hannan Sarkar, right, cuts a ball off Pakistani spin bowler Umer Gul during the first day of the third and final test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Multan, Wednesday. Bangladesh decided to bat after winning the toss and made 43 fo 1 after 12 overs play. PHOTO: AFP

Bangladesh made a confident start yesterday in the third and final cricket test against Pakistan at Multan Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh, in its bid to avoid a whitewash after losing the first two matches, was 83 for one at lunch.

In form batsmen Javed Omar and Habibul Bashar, who combined for Bangladesh's best ever partnership (167 runs) for any wicket in the second test last week, shared the crease at lunch with 36 and 26 runs respectively.

Hannan Sarkar was the only wicket to fall when he was caught behind off an Umer Gulto seamer in the 10th over.

However, Pakistan -- without speedster Shoaib Akhtar for the match -- couldn't find another breakthrough.

Omar, a centurymaker in the second test at Peshawar, was in supreme touch. He welcomed rookie fast bowler Yasir Ali with two ferocious square cuts and then drove experienced off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq for two more boundaries just before lunch.

Pakistan made five changes -- including three test rookies -- from the team which won the second test by nine wickets.