Bangladesh face a tough task

Bangladesh face a tough battle to save the series-deciding second and final Test against the West Indies despite opener Tamim Iqbal’s bold 82 not out on Tuesday.

The hosts, chasing an improbable target of 508, were 164-3 in their second innings at stumps on the penultimate day of the match in Dhaka. Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim was unbeaten on 33.

Darren Bravo earlier smashed five sixes and 12 fours on his way to a 297-ball 195, before the West Indies, leading by 124 runs on the first innings, declared their second innings closed on 383-5.

The opening Test of the two-match series ended in a draw in Chittagong. “It’s nice to be in control in the Test and we are happy with the position we are in at the moment. But we will have to be watchful as Tamim is still batting and he is a quality player,” said West Indies coach Ottis Gibson.

“If Bangladesh make 500 runs to win then they deserve it. It will be a world record. If a team breaks the world record to win a Test then they deserve that win.”

Bangladesh lost opener Imrul Kayes (nine), Shahriar Nafees (18) and Raqibul Hasan (17), but left-handed Tamim continued to defy the West Indies’ attack, having so far cracked one six and eight fours.

Fast bowler Fidel Edwards, who jolted Bangladesh with five quick wickets in the first innings, struck in his second over when he had Kayes caught by Kirk Edwards at first slip.

Seamer Darren Sammy held a return catch to dismiss Nafees (18) in the last over of the afternoon session before off-spinner Marlon Samuels removed Raqibul.

Tamim, dropped at point on 12 by Samuels off Fidel Edwards, made the most of the chance and played some attractive strokes in his 149-ball knock. DHAKA, AFP