Taijul seven-for marred by batting debacle

CHATTOGRAM - 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 here today.

   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.

   Ali also got into act, dismissing captain Mominul Haque for duck with a
leading edge, leaving Bangladesh 25-4. Mushfiqur and Yasir then somehow
managed to see off the day.

   With 145 for no loss, Pakistan began the day with front foot but Taijul
denied them taking a huge lead which was anticipated. In doing so, Taijul
took his ninth five-for overall and consecutive second one. Pacer Ebadot
Hossain snapped up 2-47 and offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz grabbed 1-68 to
complement Taijul's stellar effort.

   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 run 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 umpire somehow missed, only the decision 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 batter.

   Taijul also ended the partnership to play in key role in giving the side a
44-run lead, removing Ashraf who tried to sweep a turning delivery. BSS