Nasir, Rahim defy Pakistan's attack in final Test

Nasir Hossain hit a maiden Test half-century to keep Pakistan's attack at bay as Bangladesh reached 200-5 in their second innings at lunch on the last day of the second and final Test on Wednesday.

The hosts, who conceded a 132-run lead, were 68 runs ahead with five wickets in hand, with Nasir unbeaten on 76 with skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (40 not out).

The last pair of specialist batsmen have so far put on 105 runs for the unbroken sixth-wicket stand to deny the tourists success in the morning session with their sensible batting under pressure.

Bangladesh added 86 runs off 29 overs to their overnight total of 114-5 after a delayed start due to fog.

Playing only his fourth Test, Nasir has so far hit 11 fours in his 155-ball knock and Rahim six boundaries in a 101-ball innings.

Nasir began impressively as he hit paceman Aizaz Cheema for two successive fours in the bowler's opening spell before reaching his half-century with two runs to deep square-leg off off-spinner Saeed Ajmal.

He gave a difficult chance on 51 off fast bowler Umar Gul, but Azhar Ali failed to hold on to the ball at gully.

Rahim waited patiently for loose deliveries to punish, turning Ajmal to fine-leg and then fluently driving the spinner through the covers for fours before slashing Cheema over the slips for a boundary.

Pakistan lead 1-0 in the series after winning the first Test in Chittagong by an innings and 184 runs.