adminDHAKA. — Shakib Al Hasan claimed five wickets to help dismiss Australia for 217 and give Bangladesh the upper hand on the second day of the opening Test cricket yesterday.
Australia, who resumed the day on a precarious 18-3, were bowled out early in the final session for 217 to hand the hosts a 43-run first-innings lead. By stumps they had increased that to an 88-run advantage for the loss of one wicket.
Shakib, who finished with 5-68 and also top-scored in Bangladesh’s first innings with 84, was ably supported by off-spinner Mehedi Hasan. Mehedi claimed three wickets for 62 including the prized scalp of skipper Steve Smith for eight.
“By grace of Allah the match is in our hand. Hopefully we will also do well tomorrow,” said Mehedi, a practising Muslim. “If our batsmen take responsibility and put a good total it will be challenging for them. I don’t think the wicket is very difficult. But we bowled well.”
The hosts reached 45-1 at stumps in their second innings, with opener Tamim Iqbal on 30 and nightwatchman Taijul Islam yet to score. — AFP.
Online Reporter