2nd Test: Taufeeq steadies Pakistan’s response

Tourists reach 87 for one at stumps after bowling out Bangladesh for 338 on day two.

DHAKA: Taufeeq Umar closed in on a half-century to steady Pakistan on day two of the second and final Test against Bangladesh.

The left-handed opener was unbeaten on 44 and had hit eight boundaries in his 79-ball knock to help Pakistan reach 87 for one at stumps after bowling the hosts out for 338. Azhar Ali was unbeaten on 26 when play was called off due to bad light.

Pakistan lost the in-form Mohammad Hafeez before Taufeeq and Ali put on 64 runs for the unbroken second-wicket stand.

Bangladesh fast-bowler Nazmul Hossain, returning to the Test side after seven years, struck with his first delivery when he had Hafeez caught behind for only 14, a stark contrast to the opener’s 143 in the last Test.

Ali admitted that the early loss of Hafeez had put some pressure on the visitors but was happy that he was able to build a partnership with Taufeeq.

“Our target is to just go out there and carry on this partnership as long as we can,” he said. “Our plan is to bat for a long time.

“It was difficult to play the spinners because the ball was turning a bit. But tomorrow it’ll be a new session and I think things will be easier after we spend some time at the crease.”

The collapse

Earlier, Bangladesh, resuming at 234 for five, lost the well-set Shakibal Hasan for a fine 144 and captain Mushfiqur Rahim (40) off successive balls before being bowled out in the afternoon session.

The hosts, at one stage, were strongly placed at 305 for five before losing their last five wickets for 33, with Shakib’s dismissal starting the slide.

Shakib was run out following a mix-up with his captain as Taufeeq hit the stumps at the non-striker’s end from midwicket, while Rahim was dismissed by fast-bowler Umar Gul.

‘It was great to score for the team’

Shakib was delighted with his century but was disappointed at the way he got out.

“It was great to score runs for the team,” he said. “It was sad the way I got out though. I just wanted to bat as long as possible.

“Now our target is to get them out as soon as possible and the first session tomorrow will be important.”

The morning session saw Shakib and Rahim batting comfortably against Pakistan’s bowling attack, adding 82 runs for the sixth wicket. Shakib cracked 15 boundaries for his highest score in international cricket, while Rahim hit six fours in his 102-ball innings. Fast-bowlers Gul and Aizaz Cheema each took  three wickets, while off-spinner Saeed Ajmal picked up two.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 19^th, 2011.