Bangladesh eyes lead after Tamim 78

The senior batting trio of Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan kept Bangladesh's fight going but England struck at regular intervals on the second day of thefirst Testin Chittagong on Friday (October 21).

At stumps, Bangladesh was 221 for 5, trailing England's 293 by 72 runs, with Shakib (31) and Shafiul Islam, yet to get off the mark, in the middle.

Tamim made 78 while Mushfiqur (48) and Mahmudullah (38) also made vital contributions after Mehedi Hasan, the 18-year-old off-spinner on his Test debut, added to his five-for on the first day to finish with 6 for 80.

Bangladesh began its reply sedately but Moeen Ali struck twice in the last over before lunch to derail it somewhat. Moeen first bowled Imrul Kayes for 21 with his very first delivery and then had Mominul Haque edging to Ben Stokes at slip for a duck, leaving Bangladesh in a bit of trouble at 29 for 2.

Tamim, however, took control with a solid Mahmudullah for company. The pair added 90 for the third wicket and took their side almost through the second session, before Adil Rashid struck on the stroke of tea, forcing Mahmudullah to edge to slip.

Tamim, who was reprieved through a review after being given out caught at short-leg towards the end of the second session, went past his half-century and seemed to be in control before edging Gareth Batty, the off-spinner in his comeback Test, to the wicketkeeper.

At 163 for 4, Bangladesh still had a fair distance to go but the experienced duo of Shakib and Rahim joined hands to keep the innings on track. They scored at a good pace too, using their feet well and not allowing England's spinners to settle into consistent lines.

Bangladesh added more than 100 runs after tea, but as was the case through the day, England struck late in the session to leave the game in the balance again. Stokes was the one to break the partnership this time, inducing Rahim to edge behind two short of his half-century.

Earlier, Mehedi claimed the final England wicket – of Stuart Broad – as the visiting side added just 35 runs to its overnight 258 for 7.

Taijul Islam, the left-arm spinner, took the other two wickets in the morning to return figures of 2 for 47. Shakib had picked up two wickets on the first day and ended with 2 for 46.

To see full scorecard, click here