Shan Masood sings praise of 'great' Babar Azam

Sparkling hundreds from Babar Azam and Shan Masood put Pakistan in command against Bangladesh on the second day of the first Test at Rawalpindi on Saturday.

Azam scored a career best unbeaten 143 for his third successive hundred in as many Tests, fifth of a burgeoning career, while opener Shan Masood made 100 as they pulverised a hapless Bangladesh attack at Rawalpindi stadium.

At close, Azam was still batting with Asad Shafiq on 60, piling agony on the visitors during their unbroken 137-run stand for the fourth wicket.

While talking to media at the end of day one, Masood said he and Azam have done their jobs.

"We have batted our way to take the team in a strong position and hope that the remaining batsmen come and score so that we can build a good lead," said Masood, who hailed Azam as world class. "When Babar was coming out to bat the crowd chanted 'Babar, Babar' and that is the sign of a great batsman who is so popular."

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Masood, who was bowled by left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, reached his hundred by hooking pacer Rubel Hossain for his 12th boundary. He reached three figures off 157 balls in 226 minutes of batting.

The 30-year-old opener believes that consistent chances in Test cricket since his comeback has played a major role in his recent good form.

“I played my first 15 Test over a period of six years which can’t be called consistent opportunity,” he said. “Now that I have got consistent chances since my comeback in South Africa series, the result is in front of everyone.”

“I have improved my batting in white-ball cricket and want to perform in all formats for Pakistan,” he concluded.