Umar Gul took 3-71 on day one at Multan Cricket Stadium Photos from Multan

Habibul Bashar continued his recent fine run of form to hit 72 but Bangladesh did not take full advantage of winning the toss in the final Test.

Bashar's most profitable stand was one of 74 for the second wicket with opener Javed Omar, as Pakistan's attack struggled early on without Shoaib Akhtar or Mohammad Sami.

When he was out soon after tea, Rajin Saleh picked up the reins to hit 49 in just over three hours.

But Rajin was run out just before stumps to leave the match evenly poised.

Umar Gul bowled 27 overs in the day and stuck to the task to return figures of 3-71.

He first struck to remove Hannan Sarkar (13) in the 10th over of the morning.

Sarkar flashed at an outswinger and was smartly caught behind by Rashid Latif.

Two wickets fell in the afternoon session, as Omar was caught in the slips off Gul for 38 before Mohammad Ashaful padded up to Saqlain Mushtaq to be out lbw for 12.

Sarkar was caught behind in the 10th over of the day

Debutant Yasir Ali finally ended Bashar's innings before Gul bowled Alok Kapali for 11.

A good stand between Saleh and Khaled Mashud (29 not out) ensued which was worth 62 when Saleh was beaten by Yasir's throw.

It spoilt the day slightly for Bangladesh and meant Pakistan now have an end open to attack when play resumes.

Saqlain was playing his first Test for eight months in a Pakistani side which showed five changes from the team who came from behind to win the Peshawar Test.

Salman Butt, Farhan Adil and Yasir were all handed debuts while Yousuf Youhana was rested and Shoaib was playing for Durham in the cooler climes of Northampton.

Bangladesh dropped bowlers Mashrafe Murtaza and Alamgir Kabir, bringing in Manjurul Islam and Tapash Baisya.

Pakistan need to win in Multan to claim a 3-0 series whitewash.

Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Salman Butt, Yasir Hameed, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Farhan Adil, Younis Khan, Rashid Latif (captain), Saqlain Mushtaq, Umer Gul, Shabbir Ahmad, Yasir Ali