Centuries to Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim in a record partnership took Bangladesh to an imposing 391-4 at tea on the second day of the first Test against New Zealand on Friday.
The pair have ensured Bangladesh are dictating terms at Wellington’s Basin Reserve after being sent into bat in what appeared to be prime bowling conditions.
Shakib was on 126 and Mushfiqur on 112 with their 231-run partnership a Bangladesh record against New Zealand, surpassing the previous best 161 set by Tamim Iqbal, in his Test debut, and Junaid Siddique nine years ago.
The only wicket lost in the first two sessions of the second day was day one rock Mominul Haque who was unable to add to his overnight 64 before he was caught behind off Tim Southee.
New Zealand’s BJ Watling (L) attempts to run out Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan during day two of the first international Test cricket match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on January 13, 2017 Marty Melville/AFP
Shakib and Mushfiqur have commanded the game since, although Mushfiqur did have a heart-stopping moment on 78 when an inside edge brushed the stumps but the bails stayed on.
New Zealand wasted a review after an appeal against Shakib on 87 was turned down and the replays showed the ball had clipped the thigh pad.
Even when New Zealand took the new ball as soon as it became available, the Bangladesh pair proved unflappable and cracked another 106 runs in the 21 overs before tea.
Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim (back) celebrates 100 runs with teammate Shakib Al Hasan during day two of the first international Test cricket match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on January 13, 2017 Marty Melville/AFP
Their enterprise with the bat left Southee with figures of two for 132 off 27 overs while Trent Boult has one for 106 off 25.
On a bowl-first wicket, Bangladesh’s 391-4 is the best performance in five Tests at the Basin Reserve since England managed 465 in 2013.
Source : Dhaka Tribune
