Bangladesh’s debut batsman Sabbir Rahman hammered a crucial 59 at stumps in the 2nd innings that pushed the 1st Test towards the thrilling climax on the 5th day against England at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on Sunday.
The Tigers’ will need 33 runs on day-5 for the maiden Test victory against the mighty side while the visitors England two-wicket to dim the hosts hope in their 9th meetings.
Sabbir handled the English bowlers brilliantly on 4th day and the Tigers’ hopes of a great Test victory were in the hands of this debutant batsman and his final two tail-end partners, basically bowlers, Taijul Islam and Shafiul Islam on day-5.
Set a target of 286 runs, Bangladesh opened the 2nd innings (having 248 in the 1st innings) on the 4th day and remained at stumps scoring 253/8 in 78 overs.
Sabbir vigilantly faced enough unplayable deliveries with rhythm of one-day-cricket as on a big chase on the day, played 93-ball to fire three boundaries and two sixes.
Taijul Islam was on 11 runs to resume the Bangladesh 2nd innings on the 5th day.
Apart from his individual performance, Sabbir paired with skipper Mushfiqur Rahim for 87 runs in 27 overs in the 6th wicket that started from 140/5 in 40.5 overs and carried the team total to 227/6 in 67.5 overs, before Mushfiqur was caught by Gary Balance off Gareth Batty bowling.
The Tigers’ attitude established in a skilful and aggressive 43 of opening batsman Imrul Kayes, who found a means to counterattack in style. Kayes played 61-balls to hit six boundaries.
It is surely was the key man captain Mushfiqur with his patience, skill and experience for unflustered display of 124-ball 39 runs innings, including three boundaries.
Kayes, in the 2nd wicket stand, paired with Mominul Haque to give a bit relief into the host camp contributing 46 runs in 10.2 overs to carry the team total to 81/2 in 20.1 overs, after opener Tamim Iqbal’s dismal departure for 9.
Three top-order experienced batsmen — Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad — added 27, 24 and 17 runs respectively.
Gareth Batty bagged three wickets for 65 runs while Sturt Broad and Moeen Ali took two wickets each for 26 and 60. Adil Rashid bagged another one for 55 runs.
Resuming the 2nd innings (having 293 in the 1st innings) on the 4th day with overnight score of 228/8 in 76 overs, England two batters stayed for about 20 minutes in the day’s first session to finished at 240/10 80.2 overs.
Overnight batsman Chris Woakes scored 19 (not out) while Stuart Broad and Gareth Batty added 10 and 3 runs in the 2nd innings.
Taijul Islam trapped lbw the English last wicket Gareth Batty to while Stuart Broad was fell victim of run out.
Brief score
England 1st innings: 293/10 in 105.5 overs; Moeen Ali 68, Jonny Baristow 52, Joe Root 40, Chris Woakes 36, Adil Rashid 26, Ben Stokes 18, Ben Duckett 14, Sturt Broad 14, Mehedi Hasan Miraz 6/80, Shakib Al Hasan 2/46, Taijul Islam 2/47.
England 2nd innings:240/10 in 80.2 overs (overnight 228/8 in 76 overs) Ben Stokes 85, Jonny Bairstow 47, Ben Duckett 15, Moeen Ali 14, Alastair Cook 12, Chris Woakes 19(not out), Stuart Broad 10, Shakib Al Hasan 5/85, Taijul Islam 2/41, Kamrul Islam Rabbi 1/24, Mehedi Hasan Miraz 1/58.
Bangladesh 1st innings: 248/10 in 86 overs; Tamim Iqbal 78, Mushfiqur Rahim 48, Mahmudullah 38, Shakib Al Hasan 31, Imrul Kayes 21, Sabbir Rahman 19, Ben Stokes 4/26, Moeen Ali 3/75, Adil Rashid 2/58, Gareth Batty 1/51.
Bangladesh 2nd innings: 253/8 in 78 overs (at stumps); Sabbir Rahman batting 59, Imrul Kayes 43, Mushfiqur Rahim 39, Mominul Haque 27, Shakib Al Hasan 24, Mahmudullah 17, Taijul Islam batting 11, Gareth Batty 3/65, Sturt Broad 2/26, Moeen Ali 2/60, Adil Rashid 1/55.
