Dan Cake Pakistan Vs Bangladesh Test Series; 2nd and Final Test: Pakistan: 323/3 (Younis Khan 148, Azhar Ali 127*, Mohammad Shahid 2/43)

Whatever may be said about pitch condition, Mushfique opting to field with only two seamers and three frontline bowlers (depleted to further after only two balls) Pakistan with 323/3 is in a commanding position at stumps of day at Meerpoor Dan Cake 2nd and final test. Senior Bangladeshi ex internationals argued with rare green grass on the wicket Mushfique was not bold enough to risking his confident batting unit of 8 genuine bowlers to quality Pakistan pace battery. Shahadat’s first over injury put him in more stressed condition. Shahid and per timer Soumya bowled admirably well getting the break through and troubling the Pakistan top order.

But poor luck led to two reprieves of Younis and Azhar caught (on no balls). Azhar survived two more close calls (half chances).  Younis and Azhar capitalized counter attacking the depleted tiger attack with punishing 250 runs third wicket partnership putting Pakistan in a commanding position. Younis got out when very impressive Shahid got his well-deserved second wicket .But by then another very useful 148 came from the reliable bat of the Pathan. Dogged Azhar on 127 was still there in company with his captain Misbah at the crease. The only way Bangladesh can get back into the game is taking some early wickets on the second morning. The second ball is still new and there is still some movement in the wicket.

It was not a mine field. Yes there was grass on the surface and some moisture. The priority of Bangladesh everyone realizes is playing safe and playing primarily to achieve a draw. The talks of positive mind set, playing for a win sound good in media. Bangladesh mission got first setback when strike bowler Rubel was ruled out. There were two options either to play with three seamers bringing in Shahadat and Abul Hossain or play Shahadat and replace Shubhagato with leg spinner Zubayer.

But for playing safe with 8 batsmen Bangladesh only replaced Rubel with Shahadat. We won’t say Shahadat was not match fit .But misfortune stuck in the very first over. Shahadat broke down on his knees only after delivering the second ball. He could return to the ground in the 17th over and after sometime took a good running catch to remove Sami off Taijul .But a Bangladesh media indicated he broke down again when during lunch time he was practicing bowling with his bowling coach Heath Streak on practice wicket. He is reportedly down and out. For the rest of the test Mushfique has to deal with Shahid, Soumya and hosts of spinners. He tried nine bowlers so far. If Tamim and he himself putting the gloves to Imrul or Mahamudullah can bowl in efforts for creating a rare record.

But the only way Bangladesh can stay at the wicket is to remove Azhar and Misbah early on the on the second morning and attack the middle order while the second new ball is still new and fielders are fresh. Bangladesh desperately missed Shahadat and a third seamer looking at the way Shahid and even Soumya moved the ball early on. Hafiz was removed with the beauty off a ball growing big on him forcing him to nick behind. Shahaid and even Sounya teased Azhar and Younis. They could account for the departure of both caught on no balls. Luck deserted poor Mushy. Azhar was twice lucky on 34 and 35 when his tentative prods went through the legs of Mominul Haq in silly positions. When such opportunities are lost the inevitable happens.

Legend Younis and dogged Azhar found their way in and blasted depleted Bangladesh attack to submission with a decisive 250 runs third wicket partnership. Debutant Sami Aslam however could not do much damage throwing away his wicket after dancing down to Taijul and skiing a catch to the deep incidentally to Shahadat. Younis was looking good for another big hundred when he was removed by impressive Shahid with the second new ball only 5 overs before stumps. Younis struck 13 fours and 3 sixes in his innings of 148. Misbah joined Azhar still batting on 127. Pakistan finished the day on 323/3. Bangladeshi spinners could hardly make any impression on day one pitch having very little for them.

If Pakistan survives the first session without major damage then Bangladesh will have to bat out of their skin to salvage something out of the test. Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan and Imran Khan will enjoy bowling on this surface. We cannot comprehend which pitch doctor ordered such a wicket when Bangladesh does not have bowling resources to exploit. We will still argue that with 8 genuine batsmen Mushfique was not right in gambling with the fielding on a hot humid day. Let us hope that Bangladesh gets early breakthrough and can restrict Pakistan below 500. The new found batting confidence may then drive them to try and produce something competitive.

There are four days still left in the game. Pakistan may implode who knows. But the task for Mushfique and co is well cut out. One thing for sure Bangladesh team think tank does not have “Positive Mind set.” Bangladesh was not brave and fortune did not favor them.

BDST: 0820 HRS, MAY 07, 2015
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