LIVE – Pakistan v http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bangladesh-c747 – 2nd Test – Lunch
Bangladesh were in a very good position against Pakistan until lunch on day two of the final Test at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday, December 18, 2011.
The team reached 285 for the loss of five wickets with Shakib-Al-Hasan still unbeaten on 136 runs. He was accompanied by skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mushfiqur-Rahim-c2045, who had been steady in the morning session with 28 not-out.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Aizaz-Cheema-c961 tried extremely hard, but were a touch too short, especially with the new ball.
There were a few close shouts for leg-before, but the Bengali batsmen managed to survive the first session in the day. They will now look to attack the bowlers in the second and third sessions in order to take the score past 400.
The wicket in Mirpur had plenty of assistance for the seamers on day one, especially in the first session. This allowed the tourists to pressurise the opposition by picking up a few quick wickets after winning the toss and electing to field.
However, lack of a third seamer cost Pakistan dearly, as both Gul and Cheema got tired with the passage of time on the opening day.
Spinners http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Abdur-Rehman-c41691 have been terrific for the team over the past one year, but failed to make an impression in this game until now. They did not get the ball to turn a lot and got hit for a few runs by the opposition batsmen, especially
Shakib.
The stylish left-handed batsman used his feet exceptionally well against the spinners and drove them through the covers. He was also quick to pick the short balls and smash them to the boundary.
The veteran all-rounder will look to continue his knock and make a big one for his side. He will also be looking for support from the other end, as Rahim is the only recognised batsman left in the home team’s line up.
On the other hand, Pakistan will be hoping to get a few quick breakthroughs after the lunch session otherwise things will get out of control for them.
At the moment, all five wickets to fall have been taken by the seamers.
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