Cricket: Bangladesh hit back through Islam, Shakib

Hosts only 72 runs behind West Indies total in opening Test.

DHAKA: Middle-order batsman Naeem Islam made a maiden Test century while Shakibal Hasan smashed a dominating 89 to help Bangladesh thwart the West Indies in the first Test in Dhaka yesterday.

The pair made a record fourth-wicket stand of 167 to help the home team close the third day on 455 for six, just 72 shy of the visitors’ first-innings total of 527 for four. Islam finally lost concentration after tea, caught at the wicket from a tired shot off Sammy’s bowling.

His 108 included 17 boundaries and lasted 255 balls. At stumps, Mohammad Mahmudullah was unbeaten on 42 and Nasir Hossain 33 not out.

The West Indian bowlers laboured, as the home team had done on the first two days. Paceman Ravi Rampual was the pick with three for 101, Darren Sammy took two wickets and debutant spinner Veerasammy Permaul got one.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 16^th, 2012.