Left arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed 7-116 as Bangladesh took a 44-run lead, wrapping Pakistan up for 286 in the first innings of the opening Test at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here today, reports BSS.
Pacer Ebadot Hossain snapped up 2-47 and offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz grabbed 1-68 to complement Taijul’s stellar effort on day three at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here today.
Bangladesh were dismissed for 330 in their first innings.
Resuming the day on 145 for no loss, Pakistan were believed to bury Bangladesh under an avalanche of score, only to be denied by a brilliant Taijul who pegged back the visitors innings in a gem of spin bowling. In doing so, he achieved his ninth five-wicket haul in a Test innings.
Opener Abid Ali was the top-scorer for the team with 133 while his opening partner debutant Abdullah Shafique scored 52. Fahim Ashraf who was key in guiding the lower order, made 38, before being dismissed by Taijul as the last batter in an extended second session.
Taijul struck in the first over of the day, dismissing Abdullah Shafique and Azhar Ali via review in consecutive deliveries and dashed Pakistan’s plan to unleash aggressive cricket.
Shafique couldn’t add any runs to his overnight total of 52.
Abid, who started the day on 93, flicked Taijul past square leg for a couple to reach his fourth Test century off 209 balls.
Skipper Babar Azam appeared to be in control before offspinner Mehidy Hasan’s quicker delivery rattled his stump for 10.
Taijul used his flight and variation well to not only take the wickets but also curb the aggression of Pakistan batters.
He reaped the rewards again when he spun one sharply to take the edge of Fawad Alam for 8, which the umpire somehow missed, only the decision to be overturned on review. The replay showed the ball brushed Alam’s glove.
Ebadot Hossain then struck with the second new ball, trapping Mohamamd Rizwan (5) lbw but Abid Ali continued his good work.
However Taijul ended his resistance, turning one again viciously to dismiss him via leg-before. Abid who hammered 12 fours and two sixes reviewed the decision in vain.
He then had Hasan Ali stumped by wicket-keeper Liton Das to complete his second five-for in a row and overall ninth.
Fahim Ashraf however was still there to earn a lead for Pakistan and it looked all possible when he got the support from No. 11 Shaheen Shah Afrid, who was playing like a genuine batters.
Taijul also ended the partnership to play a key role in giving the side a 44-run lead, removing Ashraf who tried to sweep a turning delivery.
