Chittagong Test headed for thrilling finale

Bangladesh fought its way to 253 for 8 in its second innings at close of play on the fourth day of its thrilling first Test against England in Chittagong on Sunday (October 23), needing 33 more for its first-ever win over the visiting side.

Hopes of victory for Bangladesh rested with Sabbir Rahman, the debutant batsman who was unbeaten on 59, after England set the home side a target of 286 on a pitch that was crumbling and aiding spinners in a big way.

Sabbir, already an established limited-overs player, shared in an 87-run stand with Mushfiqur Rahim, the captain, before England snatched back the initiative with three quick wickets in the final session. Gareth Batty, the off-spinner in his comeback Test, broke through with an awkwardly bouncing delivery that made Rahim (39) pop a catch to Gary Ballance at forward short-leg. Stuart Broad then found reverse swing to remove Mehedi Hasan (1) and Kamrul Islam (0), both debutants as well, to put England back in charge.But Sabbir kept Bangladesh in contention with a gritty knock that has so far included three fours and two sixes.

Play was called off earlier than schedule because of poor light after England was given the option – which it rejected – of bowling the five remaining overs with only its spinners.

England's spinners earlier dismissed Bangladesh's top five to leave the total at 140 for 5, as Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid picked up useful wickets.

Moeen removed Shakib Al Hasan for 24 just as he was trying to rebuild the innings after Batty had sent back Mominul Haque (27) and Mahmudullah (17) in the post-lunch session.

Rashid claimed Imrul Kayes for 43 in the penultimate over before lunch. Kayes, who hit six fours in his 61-ball innings, looked settled until he top-edged a sweep to Joe Root at slip.

Moeen had handed England its first breakthrough in the morning when he removed Tamim Iqbal for nine as Ballance took a catch at forward short-leg.

England was all out for 240 in its second innings in the fifth over of the morning, after adding just 12 to its overnight tally of 228 for 8. Taijul Islam trapped Batty lbw off his second delivery of the day after Broad was run out. Chris Woakes remained unbeaten on 19.

The second and final Test will start in Dhaka on October 28.

For full scorecard of the match, click here.