Bangladesh were at 163 for three in their second innings, a lead of 105 runs, when the bails were taken off for the day.

Premier batsman Habibul Bashar again showed the way with an unbeaten 82, his second fifty in the match.

Bashar played a more cautious knock after starting in the same aggressive style that characterised his first innings 71. The fluent stroke-maker put his head down to see out the day once two quick wickets fell, leaving the tourists on 83 for three.

Much to the frustration of the Pakistanis, the duo put on an unbeaten 80 runs to set up an intriguing prospect for the match.

"I was determined not to get out today," said a tired-looking Bashar while boarding the team bus after the day's play.

"I have to play more carefully tomorrow (Saturday) so that we can bat for another two and a half sessions at least and get a substantial lead," added Bangladesh's highest run-getter in Test cricket.

Dropped twice on 0 and 23, Bashar occupied the crease for nearly four hours to hit seven boundaries off 174 balls.

Saleh, the 19-year-old from Sylhet, showed courage and class in his unbeaten 27, facing 94 balls in 128 minutes.

Bangladesh had suffered a mini-collapse when opener Hannan Sarker (30) missed an unnecessary sweep attempt to part-time offie Mohammad Hafiz and was adjudged LBW minutes before tea. Hannan produced 54 runs in company of Bashar after Javed Omar was dubiously declared leg-before to fast bowler Shoaib Akhter for 13. Sanwar Hossain also departed with a LBW decision to paceman Shabbir Ahmed 10 runs later.

The morning also started brightly for the Tigers, who took only 23 overs to remove the remaining five Pakistan wickets, conceding 45 runs. The hosts were bundled out for 346 in their first innings giving them a 58-run lead.

Bangladeshi bowlers showed real discipline and bowled according to the field placement, and just three runs were scored in the first half an hour. Fast bowler Mashrafee bin-Mortuza gave the breakthrough when he trapped Misbahul Haq plumb in front with the score on 304.

In his hostile first spell, Mashrafee bowled seven overs and conceded seven runs with two maidens while his new-ball partner Taposh Baishya supported him with figures of 5-3-2-0.

Masharfee and left arm spinner Mohammad Rafique were the most successful Bangladeshi bowlers, evenly sharing six wickets among them. However, the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for captain Khaled Mahmud, who at last claimed his elusive Test wicket by taking the return catch of Danish Kaneria.

It was only Mahmud's second wicket in eight Test appearances.

The only resistance came from Pakistan captain Rashid Latif, who was unbeaten on 54.