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.
Latest
-
News
Craig Overton claims 400th first-class wicket in Somerset-Hampshire clash
The England seamer’s three-wicket burst left the contest delicately balanced at the halfway stage.
-
News
Three positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
News
Zak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
News
Mark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
News
McCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
News
Effects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
News
Ben Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
News
Jofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
News
England bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.
-
News
Paul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.