Tigers earn their first draw against Pakistan

After eight consecutive losses, Bangladesh achieved their first draw against Pakistan in the first test of the two-match series at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, Khulna today.

Shakib Al Hasan was unbeaten at the crease with 76 runs from 104 balls (6 4s, 1 6s) with Shuvagata Hom when the umpires converged and decided the outcome of the match.

Facing an uphill task of 296-run deficit, Bangladesh came back into the match with the highest partnership of 312 runs between Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes as well as useful contributions from the middle order.

Bangladesh opener Tamim was the most successful batsman for his team as he notched up his first double ton in test matches, going back to the pavilion for 206 runs. Mohammad Hafeez was the other double centurion in this match with 224 runs to his name.

Taijul Islam's six wickets for 163 runs in 46.4 overs was the best bowling figures for the test match where wickets were hard to come by for both the teams especially in the second innings. Mohammad Hafeez captured four wickets in the match to go with his double hundred.

Earlier, after a handy partnership of 60 runs with Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar fell to the part-time bowling of Asad Shafiq, giving the bowler his maiden wicket in test matches. Soumya was positive in his knock of 33 runs from 45 balls and struck four boundaries during his stay at the wicket.

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim and his counterpart Misbah-ul-Haq shake hands after drawing the first Test in Khulna. File Photo: Star

Mushfiqur Rahim's error of judgment when he shouldered arms to a delivery from Mohammad Hafeez cost him his wicket as he was given out by the on-field umpire. Mushfiqur failed to open his account and his brief innings lasted only five balls.  

Mahmudullah looked solid in his innings of 40 runs from 71 balls before Junaid Khan's fullish delivery caught him off guard in front of the stumps. Although the batsman went for the referral straightaway, impact of the ball was in line and below of the knee-roll. Consequently, the on-field call of out from the umpire was not overturned and Mahmudullah had to go back to the pavilion.

Tamim Iqbal scored his first double century and became the highest scorer for Bangladesh in test matches when he was dismissed for 206 runs by Mohammad Hafeez against the run of play.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz exchange few words during the final day of the first Test in Khulna. Photo: Star

He advanced down the track to a nicely looped up delivery by Hafeez, got beaten in flight and spin as the ball turned away. Tamim couldn't drag his bat in time as Sarfraz Ahmed whipped the bails to leave him stranded.

Tamim was at his imperious best as he took on the Pakistani bowlers from the onset of Bangladesh's second innings and smashed 17 fours and seven sixes in his outstanding knock.

He made the opposition bowlers toil for 278 balls and batted for more than 98 overs in the second innings, ensuring Bangladesh were out of danger of losing the match after conceding a deficit of 296 runs.

Mominul Haque's uncomfortable stay at the wicket came to an end when he was bowled neck and croft by Junaid Khan. Mominul poked and prodded for 51 balls, scoring 21 runs with two streaky fours and a six to his name.

The record opening partnership between Imrul Kayes and Tamim Iqbal was stopped at 312 runs when Zulfiqar Babar dismissed Imrul for 150 in the first session of the fifth day.

Imrul went down the track to a tossed up delivery from Zulfiqar, mistimed his lofted shot and was safely held at long-off by the substitute fielder. He kept the Pakistan bowlers at bay for 240 balls, and sent them on a leather hunt with 16 fours and three towering sixes in his innings. Incidentally, Imrul achieved his highest test match score with this knock, as his previous best was 130 against Zimbabwe at Chittagong in 2014.

For the record, Bangladesh is the second Asian team after India whose openers have scored a hundred in the second innings of a test match.

Bangladesh Team
Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim(Captain, Wicketkeeper), Soumya Sarkar, Shuvagata Hom, Taijul Islam, Rubel Hossain and Mohammad Shahid

Pakistan Team
Mohammad Hafeez, Sami Aslam, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (Captain), Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed (Wicketkeeper), Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Junaid Khan, and Zulfiqar Babar