Tamim keeps Tigers in the hunt

Cricket365
November 1, 2011

Bangladesh removed a sizeable chunk from their pursuit of a 508-run target in the second Test, but lost three wickets in the process to leave the West Indies with the advantage at stumps on day four in Dhaka.

Closing on 164 for three thanks largely to Tamim Iqbal's fighting half-century, a further 344 runs for victory is not entirely out of the question. The pitch is at its flattest and the opposition attack isn't the most threatening. Batting out three sessions for the draw seems the more likely scenario, but Bangladesh will be more than toying with the prospect of a dashing chase.

With Darren Bravo's 195 and a long period in the field a discomfort of the past after Darren Sammy's declaration at 383 for five, the Tigers' chase set off in typical fashion, with attacking strokeplay rather than caution to the wind their approach once again.

Shahriar Nafees (18) and Imrul Kayes (nine) perished cheaply in due course, leaving Raqibul Hasan to dig in for a dogged knock of 17. His defiance was ended by Marlon Samuels, who struck at a key juncture to have the home side in danger of falling out of the contest.

Tamim, however, refused to give in and alongside Mushfiqur Rahim (33 not out) saw Bangladesh to the close of play without further loss. Unbeaten on 82, a fifth Test century awaits the talented left-hander come Wednesday. If the hosts are to triumph and clinch the series one-nil, Iqbal will have to emulate if not better Bravo's near double-century.

Earlier Bravo fell five runs short of a maiden Test double-ton before the West Indies declared at 385 for five, leaving Bangladesh in pursuit of a monstrous target.

The Windies lost just one wicket in the morning session, with nightwatchman Kemar Roach out to Suhrawadi Shuvo after a failed attempt to launch the ball out of the ground fell in the hands of long-off.

Bravo, who on day three reached a maiden Test century, orchestrated a 151-run alliance for the third wicket alongside Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who finished on 59 not out for the 100th half-ton of his prolific first-class career.

With the declaration pending, the Bangladesh bowlers and fielders largely went through the motions, with a couple of edges going down in the slips. Bravo, meanwhile, tucked into a string of big hits, eventually holing out for 195.

The Brian Lara-esque left-hander faced 297 deliveries, completing a dozen boundaries and five sixes and will later this month look to pick up on his fine run of form in India.