Bangladesh were struggling at 43 for four after fast-bowler Aizaz Cheema’s three-wicket burst in the morning before reaching 234 for five at stumps. The left-handed pair applied themselves well to deny Pakistan any success for 51 overs, adding 180 runs, Bangladesh’s highest stand for the fifth wicket in Tests.
Nafees looked set to complete his second Test century before falling in the last session, gloving a catch behind the stumps off Umar Gul after hitting 12 fours in his 177-ball knock.
“I knew the Pakistan bowlers would give me bouncers, so I was prepared for it but unfortunately I couldn’t remove my hand in time,” said Nafees. “This knock was something I could learn from. Our partnership was very important for the team, especially at a time when we were four down quickly. Now we’re in a bit of a comfortable position, although we still have miles to go.”
Former captain Shakib appeared to be in a belligerent mood as he moved from 89 to 100 in one over off Gul and completed his second Test hundred when he cut the fast-bowler for a single.
Rocky beginning
Earlier, Bangladesh were in deep trouble in the morning session as Cheema grabbed three wickets in a sharp eight-over opening spell after the tourists won the toss and elected to field.
Cheema dismissed opener Mohammed Nazimuddin and Mohammad Mahmudullah for no score, and Nasir Hossain for seven, while Gul removed Tamim Iqbal for 14 in helpful conditions after a delayed start due to fog. Nazimuddin, who scored 31 and 78 on debut in the last Test, failed to open his account and was trapped leg-before by Cheema in the second over of the day.
Tamim also fell to Cheema, caught hooking at fine-leg, while Mahmudullah was bowled by a delivery that cut in sharply.
“I just tried to maintain a good line and length and put the ball in right area,” said Cheema. “After they lost four quick wickets, Shakib and Nafees started to look for singles and leave the ball. At that point, it became difficult to bowl against them. Their concentration was a lot better.”
Aizaz Cheema
“After they lost four quick wickets, Shakib and Nafees started to look for singles and leave the ball. At that point, it became difficult to bowl against them. Their concentration was a lot better.”
Shahriar Nafees
“Our partnership was very important for the team, especially at a time when we were four down quickly. Now we’re in a bit of a comfortable position, although we still have miles to go.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 18th, 2011.
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