Mominul ensures Bangladesh prosper

Cricket365
October 24, 2013

Batsman Mominul Haque's rich stretch of form continued, as Bangladesh moved to a total of 269 for three – and 114-run lead – on day four of the second and final Test against New Zealand at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka on Thursday.

Mominul was outstanding in the series opener, scoring a fine 181 in Chittagong, and on Thursday welcomed a mature 126 not out, striking 16 boundaries in a patient innings that spanned 225 deliveries.

The completion of the Black Caps' first innings was a mere formality in the morning session, with aspiring all-rounder Ish Sodhi run out for 58 and tail-ender Trent Boult removed for four by spinner Abdur Razzak. Wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling, meanwhile, ended with a fighting 70 not out in a final tally of 437 all out.

The Tigers eventually removed the deficit and tucked into a healthy three-figure response, which the Black Caps will be keen to keep under 250 come Friday. Haque was the backbone throughout and enjoyed solid support from opener Tamim Iqbal, whose 70 was an uncharacteristically circumspect affair.

Where the inexperienced Anamul Haque and Marshall Ayub disappointed, perishing for 22 and nine respectively, Tamim and Mominul delivered. Their terrific alliance amounted to 157 inside 57 overs, and made the host attack sweat in trying conditions.

The prolific partnership was concluded by fielder Ross Taylor's great catch, leaving former skipper Shakib Al Hasan to resume the charge alongside the centurion. An unbroken 57-run stand followed, with Shakib reaching 32 not out.

The rain that marred the opening two days has, largely, abated – and hopefully didn't do enough to rob this intriguing contest of a result. Play, to recoup overs lost to the inclement weather earlier this week, will resume 30 minutes early on Friday.