Bangladesh 193/3 [Tamim Iqbal 74 *, Mahmudullah Riad 56, Mominul Haque 35, T Panyangara 2/29]

Bangladesh as change after a long time batted like a true test team and at the end of the day was comfortably placed at the end of day at 193/3 in the second test at Khulna. Mushfique was lucky with the coin and without any hesitation elected to bat. 

The innings started disastrously as Shamsur Rahman failed yet again being trapped plumb in front contributing only two. But two successive good partnership of Tamim with Mominul and Mahmudullah laid good foundation for a substantial first innings.Otherwise flamboyant playing out of his character subdued innings remained not out on a solid 74 off 250 deliveries and with him at the crease was Sakib Ul Hasan on 13. Mahmudullah Riad produced yet another well accumulated half century 56 and consistent Mominul Huq scored 35. The low slow wicket provided very little assistance to Zimbabwean bowlers though on the first day some balls had appreciable turns.

The second test is very crucial in the context of the series as a win by Bangladesh will assure them the three test match series. For Zimbabwe it is a do or die situation. They cannot afford to lose the test and must try to earn at least a draw if they fail to win. Bangladesh has already won the first test at Dhaka by three wickets in a nail biting photo finish.

There was lot of talks about changing at least one if not two of the openers after the Dhaka test. Anamul Huq and Imrul Kayes who were part of BCB XI in Eden Gardens 150 years celebration tournament in West Bengal were drafted in the side. There were talks about playing Anamul in the late middle order. But finally the only change made of the winning team of Dhaka test was bring in Rubel Hossain in place of Al Amin not available for his examination. Zimbabwe made three changes.

It was good that the toss was won by Bangladesh as the wicket will definitely turn as the game progresses and on the fourth and fifth day the wicket may take more spin.

Tamim usually is flamboyant batsman who loves to play his strokes .But for the sake of the team he curved his natural instinct and demonstrated excellent concentration and commitment. He did not go for expansive strokes and played every ball according to merit .Mominul was looking good but when his innings was flourishing he was caught and bowled by Panyangara. Mahmudullah also continued his good form and scored yet another half century.
Tamim was looking good, I won’t be surprised if he converts his innings to a hundred and even bigger .Sakib has to stay with him and consolidate the good start of the first day. Mushfique, Shubhatao Home and others will have good platform to build. A score of around 350 will put Bangladesh on the driver’s seat.
Teams:
Bangladesh : Tamim Iqbal, Shamsur Rahman , Mominul Haque , Mahamudullah Riad , Sakib Ul Hasan , Mushfiqur Rahim, Shubhagato Hom , Taijul Islam, Shahadat Hossain, Rubel Hossain , Jubair Hossain

Zimbabwe : Sikandar Raza, B Chari, H Masakadza, BRM Taylor*, MN Waller, CR Ervine, E Chigumbura, RW Chakabva†, T Panyangara, N M'shangwe, TL Chatara

BDST: 1117 HRS, NOV 04, 2014