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
-
NewsJoe Root will not panic over England’s poor batting at Edgbaston
The Black Caps dislodged India as the world’s number one Test side as a result of their eight-wicket win at Edgbaston.
-
-
NewsOn this day in 2013: David Warner suspended for altercation with Joe Root
The Australia batsman was banned from all cricket up to the first Ashes Test that summer and fined almost £7,000.
-
NewsEngland staring at New Zealand series defeat after day three of second Test
Sri Lanka were the last touring side to deal England a bloody nose on their own soil.
-
NewsChris Silverwood admits England’s performance is not good enough in second Test
The game was all but lost by stumps with the scoreboard reading 122 for nine.
-
NewsEngland collapse leaves dominant New Zealand on brink of memorable series win
England have not lost a home series since 2014.
-
NewsNew Zealand on top in second Test after England openers fall
A last-wicket partnership had earlier helped hand the Black Caps a handy lead.
-
NewsNew Zealand move into lead as England struggle in the field
The Black Caps were 74 behind at the start of play and 23 ahead as they reached lunch on 326 for five.
-
NewsChris Woakes makes long-awaited return to England’s Twenty20 squad
David Willey and Liam Dawson are also included.