Cornered Tigers: Azhar’s double-ton, bowlers’ field day lands host in trouble

Bangladesh struggling as they lose five wickets on day two, still 450 runs behind.

KARACHI:

Pakistan enjoyed a good all-round day where the bowlers came good for the first time on the tour to ensure that the batsmen’s efforts do not go in vain as Bangladesh were left reeling at 107-5, still trail ing Pakistan by 450 runs in their first-innings of the second Test in Dhaka.

Replying to Pakistan’s mammoth total of 557-8 (dec), Bangladesh suffered a massive blow as Tamim Iqbal — who scored a double-century in the first Test — could only make four runs this time around as he was trapped lbw by Junaid Khan, after just four balls into the innings.



The onus was then on Imrul Kayes and Mominul Haque to anchor the Tigers innings. However, that changed soon as Junaid provided yet another breakthrough by removing Mominul on 13, while Yasir Shah dismissed Kayes, who had made 32 off 46 with six boundaries, with a well-flighted delivery.

Wahab Riaz also delivered a venomous spell and was rewarded with a scalp as Mahmudullah succumbed to pace after a 32-ball 28, which included four strikes to the fence.

Bangladesh were at 85-4 when Shakib alHasan and Mushfiqur Rahim sought to steady the sinking ship, but were once again halted in their stride as Yasir got rid of Mushfiqur (12) on the penultimate delivery of the day as the batsman failed to read the googly and the timber was disturbed.

Earlier, Pakistan had resumed the day on 323-3 with Azhar Ali unbeaten on 127 and Misbahul Haq not out on nine, who was dismissed in the second over of the day as he was bowled by Shakib on his overnight score.

While Bangladesh thought that this was the moment that would trigger the collapse, it turned out to different, and was the start of yet another partnership, this time between Azhar and Asad Shafiq.

Azhar continued his usual slow and composed performance, while Shafiq chipped in with quick runs.

In the process, Azhar completed his maiden double-ton which was brought up in style with a six off Shakib.

Soon after, Asad completed his sixth Test ton before both the batsman got out in the same manner to off-spinner Shuvagata Hom — caught at deep mid-off trying to hit over the fence.

There wasn’t much resistance after that apart from Sarfraz Ahmed’s unbeaten run-a-ball 21 and Misbah opted to declare the innings at tea on 557-8 from 152 overs.

Talking to reporters after the match, Azhar chose to focus on the team’s performance rather than his own milestone.

“The best thing is that we performed well as a batting unit and applied ourselves,” said Azhar. “Our target was to get a big score, but picking up five wickets was the real icing on the cake. The pitch was easy on the first day, but today it began to turn and the bounce was also awkward.”

Meanwhile, Kayes said the hosts were capable of fighting back despite being pushed onto the backfoot. “Anything can happen in cricket,” said Kayes. “Our first target is obviously to avoid the follow-on and see how far we can go. If two or three batsmen get runs, the momentum can change quickly.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 8^th,  2015.

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