Pakistan VS Bangladesh Alessa Holding Test Series
Played at Jahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram (26-30 November) 2021
Brief Score Card at Stumps Day One
Bangladesh 253/4 (Liton K Das 113*, Mushfiqur Rahim 82*, Hasan Ali 1/38, Faheem Ashraf 1/38, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1/50, Sajid Khan 1/68)
Liton and Mushfique displaying wonderful brand of gritty and determined test match batting not only salvaged Bangladesh from a tight leash but also signaled turning around in test cricket. The wicket on first session of day one at ZAC Stadium Chattogram assisted pace, Pakistani new ball bowlers extracted life, losing 4/49 Bangladesh innings was in tatters. Liton (113*) and Mushfique (82*) braving the situation produced superlative milestone setting unbroken 204 runs partnership. Liton scored his maiden century and Mushfique is looking good for yet another three figure test innings. There is still lot of cricket left in the test. The ball has started gripping and turning, uneven bounce has started appearing. The first session of day two would indicate which way the test would be heading. But devils must be given its due. Liton and Mushfique batted superbly. Mushfique’s was flawless innings, Liton was let off twice. But he played some exceptional strokes. Hope he would get around his uneasiness. Bangladesh still has some batting left in Mehedy Meraj and Yasir Rabbi. 400 plus score would be extremely useful.
Mominul did it right opting to bat. The greenish wicket appeared to have early morning life. Afridi moved the ball at pace. Still Saif Hasan (14) and Shadman Islam (14) were looking good. Saif fell to a brute of a delivery of Shaheen Afridi rearing awkwardly from length. Shadman was trapped in front. Soon Bangladesh was reduced to 49/4 as Mominul (6) and Shanto (14) played ordinary strokes. Bangladesh innings was in disarray. However, with back to the wall Mushfique and Liton applying themselves started resurrecting. It was not an easy task. Babar did not take few potential reviews. But once the initial nervous moments were get over the pair started playing quality strokes. Against quality bowling Liton and Mushfique batting exceptionally well set up a milestone setting unbroken 204 runs 5th wicket partnership. Liton was given reprieve once by Sajid Khan off the bowling of impressive Afridi . But his maiden ton (113* in 225 balls) must be given due credit. Mushfique played a polished 82* and was looking set for yet another three figure. He is now the highest run scorer in test cricket overtaking Tamim Iqbal.
Bangladesh would start day two at 253/4. Still a long way to go yet in the test. But given the condition of the wicket and relative strength of two teams Bangladesh needs at least 450 to make a match of it.
BDST: 1530 HRS, NOV 27, 2021
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