West Indies Remain On Top Despite Tamim Blitz

West Indies Remain On Top Despite Tamim Blitz

Tamim Iqbal brought up his half-century from just 38 balls.

©Action Images / Ed Sykes Livepic

West Indies 527-4d (Chanderpaul 203no) v
Bangladesh 164-3 (Tamim 72)
First Test, Mirpur, Day Two
Scorecard | Day One

Tamim Iqbal gave the sparse crowd at the Shere Bangla National Stadium something to cheer with a 38-ball half-century late on the second day, but West Indies’ imposing first innings total, coupled with the removal of the Bangladesh top-order, meant that it was they who remain firmly in charge of the first Test.

West Indies had resumed the day on 361 for four with Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Denesh Ramdin both unbeaten. The two wouldn’t be parted and were still together when West Indies skipper Darren Sammy decided enough was enough some 54 overs later, declaring his side’s first innings on 527 for four.

Chanderpaul equalled his previous highest score in Test cricket of 203 not out, while Ramdin made his second century of the year as the two added an unbroken 296 for the fifth-wicket.

Bangladesh’s bowlers had shown discipline in the first session as the pre-lunch run rate of less than three an over testified, but, through a mixture of good batting, patience, and slices of luck for the West Indian pair, they went wicketless.

Ramdin’s century came up after lunch off 208 balls as he displayed a determination to avoid the loose strokes which have so often been his downfall, while Chanderpaul was as solid as ever, despite being troubled occasionally by the Bangladesh quicks.

The second session had seen the home side’s threat evaporate as Shakib Al Hasan was forced into a negative line, Tamim Iqbal had a bowl, and Sohag Gazi took his overs tally to 47 in his debut Test innings. Their torment was finally ended at tea by Sammy with West Indies on 527 for four.

Tamim Iqbal came out swinging after the break and he and Shahriar Nafees counter-attacked to overcome the early loss of Junaid Siddique for seven to Ravi Rampaul. Tino Best bore the brunt of Tamim’s brilliance and was taken for four boundaries in one particular over.

However, they were never going to ride their luck forever, and the partnership was ended after 47 balls, having yielded 63 runs, when Nafees flailed at a ball from Rampaul and edged it through to a relieved Ramdin. Tamim calmed a little after the loss of his sidekick, but he too departed prior to stumps, lobbing a ball to Sunil Narine at mid-on. 

It was then over to Naeem Islam and Shakib Al Hasan to shut up shop for the day as Bangladesh reached stumps on 164 for three. Naeem was unbeaten on 27 off 60 balls; Shakib on 16 off 46.

© Cricket World 2012