Shanto, Zakir keep India at bay as Tigers reach 119-0 at lunch

Chattogarm, 17 Dec -Bangladesh reached 119 for no loss in the chase of an improbable target of 513, with openers Najmul Hossain Shanto and Zakir Hasan showing the side a glimmer of hope to produce something unbelievable at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here today.

Both of the openers brought up their half-centuries in the process as Shanto was batting on 64 with Zakir on 55 at the first interval of the day. Bangladesh still need 394 runs to win the first Test.

They demonstrated a much-needed composure to share a century partnership, only second for Bangladesh in opening stand in the fourth innings of a Test. Javed Omar Belim and Nafees Iqbal's 133-run for the opening stand in drawn Test against Zimbabwe in 2005 still remains highest but the duo is in touching distance to break that long standing record.

Debutant Zakir impressed much as he dealt with the Indian bowlers astutely to bring up his maiden half-century. The wicket also favoured the duo, offering nothing for the bowlers so far.

After resuming the day at 42-0, the duo reached a century partnership without any trouble.

Shanto raised his third Test fifty off 108 balls, nudging off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for a single through off-side and grew with confidence as he unleashed some powerful shots to keep India at bay.

Zakir reached his maiden fifty soon after, brining it off 101, pushing left-arm spinner Axar Patel through mid-on for a single.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 150 in its first innings, in reply to India's 404. India didn't enforce follow-on and declared second innings at 258-2 to set Bangladesh a record target to chase.