Mumbai, Dec 07:Bangladesh had a horror-filled day four in Dhaka as they slipped to 76 for 7 once Pakistan declared on 300 for 4. Sajid Khan, the young spinner, bagged six wickets while Bangladesh captain MominulHaque was run out.
With just 63.2 overs possible in the game before the fourth day, the onus was on Pakistan to make things happen and Sajid delivered on the day. Once Pakistan declared, and ShaheenAfridi was not allowed to bowl post the opening over because of light conditions, Sajid kept landing punches after punches to leave the hosts gasping.
Bangladesh went into the Tea break at 22 for 3 and played some poor cricket in the 40 minutes before the break in the session. Debutant MahmudulHasan Joy bagged a duck in the third over and then Sajid picked Shadman Islam in the ninth to pocket two wickets. Things went from bad to worse for the hosts when Mominul was run out in the final over before the break.There was some resistance by NajmulHossainShanto (30) but the procession continued in the final session as well.
Mushfiqur Rahim fell for 5 while Liton Das gave a return catch to Sajid before MehidyHasan bagged a duck. Bangladesh’s hopes will rest on Shakib Al Hasan, who stayed unbeaten on 23, on the final day to produce a fight with Pakistan set to attack in hope of producing an unlikely win. Bangladesh still need to score 25 more to avoid the follow on.Earlier in the day, damp outfield delayed the start of the day but EbadotHossain dismissed Azhar Ali in the second over.
Just 17 balls later, Khaled Ahmed picked his maiden Test wicket as he dismissed Babar lbw. The captain did take the review only to lose it as well, as Bangladesh quickly reduced Pakistan to 195 for 4 after they started on 188. There was more action during the 19.3-over session. Fawad edged the last ball of the 73rd over to the ‘keeper but escaped as none of the players went up for an appeal.
