e-News® | The NEWS Company…KHULNA, May 1, 2015 : Opener Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes contributed a record opening Test stand for Bangladesh saw the host giving strong response in their second innings scoring 273 for no loss in 61 overs at stumps against Pakistan on the fourth day of first Test at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna.
Bangladesh still trailed by 23 runs with ten wickets in hand and one more day to go of the Test. Trailed by 296 runs in first innings Bangladesh desperately needed a solid start and Tamim and Imrul did not frustrate the local fans as they contributed a record opening Test partnership for Bangladesh putting an unbreakable 273 runs so far after breaking the previous best partnership of 232 created by Shamsur Rahman and Imrul Kayes against Sri Lanka backed in 2014 in Chittagong.
The 26-year old Tamim, who scored the 7th Test century, also the highest Test centurion then any Bangladeshi cricketers, played an impressive knock of 138-run with the help of 13 boundaries and four over boundaries to remain unbeaten after the fourth day’s play. His opening partner Imrul Kayes, who also got back his rhythm, gave an ample support to Tamim completing his third Test career century that led Bangladesh to stage a strong fight back on the fourth day. He also finished the day with a unbeaten knock of 132 that laced 15 boundaries and three over boundaries.
At least the Tigers fans now can expect that the match result would not turn to the Pakistan side as only one more day to go of the Test and Bangladeshi batsmen are expecting to bat on the whole last day. Earlier, despite Taijul Islam’s six-wicket haul, Pakistan reach to a commanding position taking a massive 296 runs first innings lead over Bangladesh as they dismissed their first innings at 628 in 168.4 overs. The visitors resumed the fourth day (Friday) and added 91 more runs with their overnight score of 537 for 5.
Overnight batsman Sarfraz Ahmed (82) was first to go in the first session of the fourth day off debutant Mohammad Shahid, who got his maiden Test wicket while his partner Asad Shafiq(83) lasted a little giving a return catch to Shakib Al Hasan. Apart from Taijul Islam’s six wickets haul for 163 runs, Shuvogata Hom finished his spells with 2 for 120 in 34 overs. Earlier, Bangladesh dismissed their first innings at 332.
