DHAKA: Maiden double century by Tamim Iqbal, 150 by Imrul Kayes and 76 by Shakib Al Hasan led Bangladesh to a draw in Khulna Test against Pakistan Saturday.

Bangladesh 332 (Mominul 80, Wahab 3-55, Yasir 3-86) and 555 for 6 (Tamim 206, Kayes 150. Shakib 76*) drew with Pakistan 628 (Hafeez 224, Azhar 83, Shafiq 83, Sarfraz 82, Taijul 6-163)

The draw in Khulna was in line with improvements Bangladesh have shown across formats after a difficult 2014.

The transformation happened somewhere along the home series win against Zimbabwe last October, continued through the World Cup down under and if there were still doubts after the ODI and Twenty20 wins against Pakistan, the first Test should quell them.

It was the first time in nine Tests that Pakistan were not able to force a win against Bangladesh. Irrespective of the conditions, that stat alone was a huge boost for Bangladesh cricket.

Man of the Match Tamim Iqbal said, “I am very pleased. Whatever I planed came off nicely. It was a much-needed innings for me and my team as well. I was in an attacking mode, he [Kayes] was controlling the innings.

It was a great combination. I think Taijul bowled brilliantly on this wicket. 296 runs behind and it was a tough task. I played my role, Imrul played his role, Shakib and Mahmudullah did their job. It was a team effort. We have done well in ODIs are we are proving it in Tests. We have a big summer coming up, he added.

Bangladesh captain said Mushfiqur Rahim: “It [the injured finger] is getting better. It is a great achievement. All the credit to the boys. The way Tamim and Imrul batted, it was unbelievable. It was difficult to take 20 wickets on the pitch. The top order took the responsibility. Imrul was not in the ODI squad but he played well. I am privileged to be the captain of this team. We have three more days for the next Test. We will prepare and hopefully take 20 wickets.”

Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan captain, said: It was a slow wicket and was good for batting. Hafeez played really well. Tamim and Imrul enjoyed their batting. The wicket was very slow and difficult for the bowlers. We need to improve our performance with the ball. We also dropped a few catches in the first innings, which made a difference. After getting a 300-odd lead, we could have put them under pressure on any surface. All credit to Bangladesh. They saved the game, especially with the opening partnership. That opening partnership was the game-changer. Wahab and Junaid bowled well with the old ball.

** Tamim hits maiden double ton
** Bangladesh-Pakistan test heads for draw

BDST: 1731 HRS, MAY 02, 2015
AKA