Taijul seven-for marred by batting debacle

Despite a terrific effort of Taijul Islam, Bangladesh failed to establish their full control on the first cricket Test against Pakistan, largely due to a reckless batting of the batters on day three at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium Monday. The left arm spinner Taijul claimed 7-116 to dismiss Pakistan for 286 and secured a 44-run lead for Bangladesh, who were bowled out for 330 in their first innings.

But the batters then were completely undone by the short balls of Pakistan fast bowlers to leave the side in tricky 39-4 at stumps, owing to bad light again. Bangladesh are in now just 83 runs lead with six wickets remaining. Whether they could stretch the game to fifth day will rely on how they fare on the fourth day morning session.

Mushfiqur Rahim was batting on 12 with debutant Yasir Ali on 8 after surviving some close calls under fading lights. After Taijul's carnage dashed their hope taking a lead, Pakistan replied through its fast bowlers-Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali who used the shorts ball to precision, leaving Bangladesh in tricky state.

Afridi cracked the game open, striking twice in his third over. He trapped Shadman leg-before for 1 with one that swung sharply and then two balls later had Najmul Hossain caught at first slip for duck with a short ball. His short ball trick again worked for him when opener Saif Hasan gave the return catch to be dismissed for 14.