Tigers staring a defeat in 1st Test against Pakistan

Bangladesh are on course of a defeat in the first Test after Pakistan openers kept them unscathed on day four to reach 109 for loss at Zahur Ahmed Chwodhury Stadium here Monday. Pakistan got a target of 202, wrapping up Bangladesh for 157 in the second innings, thanks to a 5-32 of fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The visitors are now just 93 runs away to seal the deal on fifth and final day today. Openers Abid Ali and Abdullah Shafique played smartly against a bowling attack that looked penetrative throughout the day. Ali who scored 133 in the first innings was batting on 56 and debutant Shafique followed his 52 with 53 at stumps, owing to bad light for the fourth consecutive day.

Bangladesh had a 44-run first-innings lead after posting 330 and then bowling Pakistan out for 286. Ali and Shafique brought up their second consecutive 100-plus partnership in the match, frustrating Bangladesh bowlers for one and half session. Ali completed his third half-century off 92 balls, flicking left-arm spinner Taijul Islam for three runs. Shafique joined him in the penultimate over for his twin 50 on debut in style, lofting offspinner Mehidy Hasan for the lone six of the innings over deep mid-wicket.

Earlier, Liton Das, who hit 114 in the first innings battled lonely for Bangladesh, making 59 off 89. But the wrecker-in-chief was Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi who claimed his fourth five-for in the Test to dash Bangladesh's hope of taking big lead. Yasir Ali, who had to leave the ground after being struck on his helmet by a sharp bouncer of Shaeen Afridi, was on 36. Yasir's unfortunate incident indeed ruined the momentum Bangladesh gained after the early loss of Mushfiqur Rahim who was dismissed for 16. Bangladesh began the fourth day on 39-4 with lead of just 83 runs. Mushfiqur Rahim though struck a boundary in the first ball, he was dismissed in that over as he offered no shot against fast bowler Hasan Ali, who got the delivery jagged in.

Yasir who made just 4 in the first innings appeared to be in full control, dealing with pacers and spinners confidently and sometimes with disdain. He and Liton combined for a 47-run to bring the side back into the contest but the progress was stalled as he had to leave the ground. Off spinner Sajid Khan had Mehidy Hasan Miraz lbw for 11 with a delivery that spun sharply. Liton Das meanwhile played confidently to bring up his 10th half-century off 83 balls, guiding an Afridi's delivery to backward point for a single.

However as Bangladesh looked to be in control, Sohan played a wretched shot off Sajid Khan to be dismissed for 15. Afridi then came up with fire and had Liton lbw with an inswinger to break the resistance of Bangladesh. Liton clobbered six boundaries for his 59 off 89. Three balls later Afridi roughed up Abu Jayed Rahi with a snorter to bag his fourth five-for in Test cricket. Sajid Khan who finished with his career-best 3-33, had Taijul stumped by the wicket-keeper to bring an end to the Bangladesh's innings as the hosts lost last three wickets in six balls for no run.