Terrific Tigers rack up twin tons in Khulna

Unbeaten centuries from openers Imrul Kayes and Tamim Iqbal made sure Bangladesh were relatively safe from defeat at stumps on day four in Khulna, as they reached 273 for none and trailed Pakistan by just 23 runs.

Pakistan may have racked up a 600-plus score, but their batting on the fourth day did not go to plan as they lost quick wickets and Taijul Islam bagging a six-fer. They then could not make inroads on a flat, easy batting deck.

The day began with Pakistan in a very strong position, on 537 for five. Sarfraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq had both passed half tons and were on 51 each. They did well early on, and pushed the score to 594.

This was then Sarfraz was removed for 82, and the rest of the wickets soon followed. Taijul removed Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah and Zulfiqur Babar cheaply, and suddenly the chance to declare wafted away in smoke. Pakistan were all out for 628.

Still, a hefty 296-run deficit faced the Tigers, but Tamim had no qualms with batting aggressively. They went at more than four to the over for much of the knock, taking few risks on a flat deck.

Tamim was the quicker batsman initially, reaching his ton off 123 balls, but Imrul soon caught up and by the close they were both relatively even. Imrul was on 132, while Tamim was on 138, both with a handful of sixes.