Brave tigers fought all the way on day three of their historic one off test against India in India extending the battle to the final day of the test. They have to bat for six hours with 7 wickets at hand on a wearing wicket against arguably the best spin attack and two of the top exponents of reverse swing. The winning target even is 356 away. The way the test has panned out so far even a draw will be a huge morale booster for Bangladesh.
When play started on day three Bangladesh was struggling at 322/6 responding to a huge Indian score of 687/6 declared. Very few people could believe that Bangladesh would not be blown away soon facilitating Virat asking for Bangladesh following on. But leading from the front excellent batting by captain courageous Mushfiqur Rahim kept resurging Indian bowlers at bay. Mushfique played possibly the best innings of his career with the tailenders giving him good company after the last recognized Batsman Mehedi Miraj getting out in the very first over of the day. Mushfique scored 127 and Bangladesh batted 127.5 overs making Virat confused whether or not it may be better giving his bowlers some rest.
Bangladesh batted till almost lunch. The fact that Bangladesh did not disintegrate under run mountain of India speaks volume of the cricket character of Bangladesh. Mushfique scoring his back to back test centuries redemonstrated his reputation as Mr Dependable in Bangladesh batting.
India batted in the middle session and inquest of quick runs lost four wickets. Taskin bowling full and first picked two early wickets of Vijay and Rahul. Shakib accounted for Kohli and Rahane. Pujara scored a punishing unbeaten 54. India declared at tea at 159/4 setting Bangladesh a target of 459 and four sessions or 125 minimum overs to survive.
Bangladesh batted out one of the four sessions knocking off 103 of the target .But lost the openers and Mominul in the process to Ashwin and Jadeja. Wicket has already developed some cracks and has started turning. Bangladesh has their task cut out.
Batting for three sessions on the last day in any Indian wicket is a huge challenge. Still Bangladesh with Mahmudullah, Shakib, Mushfique and the tail cannot be dismissed like that. Shakib is a brilliant stroke maker and he is in the form of his life. He must also put a price on his wicket and shoulder additional responsibility of carrying his team. It is another opportunity for Mahmudullah to redeem himself. We are confident that Indian bowlers will have to earn the wickets of Mushfique as he is a hard nut to crack.
The first session is very important .If Bangladesh can scrap through the session adding 70-80 runs and losing no wickets they can plan for the next two. A draw in the situation would a huge morale booster. If at tea the score board looks like 320 /5 who knows what can happen. But better not dream much. Indian spinners have tailor made wicket for them now. Bangladesh has to apply and show their character of never say die.
BDST: 1240 HRS, FEB 13, 2017
SMS
