Pakistan left Bangladesh in a troublesome position at 107-5 at stumps yesterday on the second day of the second Test, raising the prospect of ending its win drought in the tour after Azhar Ali’s maiden double century helped it declare the first innings on 557-8.

Trailing by 450 runs, Bangladesh still needs 251 runs to avoid the follow-on with Shakib Al Hasan batting on 14.

The dismissal of Mushfiqur Rahim (12) in the penultimate ball, which prompted the umpires to draw the bails, extended the agony of the hosts in a pretty disappointing day.

“Avoiding the follow-on is our first target,” said Bangladesh opener Imrul Kayes. “It looks tough but anything is possible in cricket. Just in the previous Test, we made a comeback from a tough situation. That will be in our mind and we’ll give it a shot.”

Imrul Kayes scored 32 while Mahmudullah made 28. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah (2-15) and fast bowler Junaid Khan (2-26) picked up two wickets each.

Pakistan rode three centuries to take command of the final test.

Azhar Ali was dismissed on 226 after his maiden double century helped the side pile up a big total. Veteran Younus Khan added 148 while Asad Shafiq made 107.

Pakistan declared its innings after tea to give its bowlers ample time to bowl out the hosts and had immediate success as fast bowler Junaid Khan removed Tamim Iqbal, a double centurion in the previous test, on 4.

Junaid later got Mominul Haque (13). Wahab Riaz gave Junaid a hand, dismissing Mahmudullah, while Yasir Shah left Bangladesh in trouble by dismissing Imrul Kayes and Mushfiqur Rahim.