Shiv & Shane make Tigers toil

Bangladeshi players celebrate slow left-armer Taijul Islam's first wicket of the West Indies tour during the second day of their three-day practice match against St Kitts and Nevis at St Kitts on Sunday. Taijul is expected to make his debut in the Test series for the Tigers. Photo: WICB

Centuries from Shivnaraine Chanderpaul and opener Shane Jeffers made Bangladesh's bowlers toil hard in the three-day practice match against St Kitts and Nevis at St Nevis yesterday. In reply to Bangladesh's 377, the hosts were bowled out for 399 on the final day yesterday.

While Jeffers was more aggressive -- he hammered 22 boundaries -- Chanderpaul soldiered on with a typically resolute innings.

Chanderpaul, who had an overnight score of 70 continued with his marathon and ended up scoring workmanlike 183 off 315 balls. It was an innings which saw 20 fours and two huge sixes. With Jeffers dismissed on day two, Chanderpaul almost single-handedly frustrated the Bangladeshis for most of day 3. It was only a couple of hours before the end of play yesterday that he was caught off Rubel Hossain. 

On the second day, Jeffers hammered 118 off 131 balls to help his side finish on a strong 232 for four by close of play. It was a respite for the Tigers when Shuvagata Hom sent him back to the pavilion after lunch.

Earlier, openers Shaquille Martina and Jeffers shared a 77-run stand. Rubel Hossain got Martina caught behind and broke the stand after 20 overs.

Uncapped slow left-armer Taijul Islam then removed Javal Hodge courtesy of a good diving catch from Mominul Haque and reduced the hosts to 110 for two before lunch.

Jeffers, who seemed to be in a marauding mood, was joined by the experienced Shivnarine Chanderpaul for the third wicket and the pair shared a 51-run stand before Jeffers departed in the 46th over. The Tigers managed to pick another wicket on day two as Mahmudullah Riyad sent Tonito Willete back to the pavilion four overs before the close of play.   

Chanderpaul however, stood tall with a patient unbeaten half-century on the second day.

He continued on his methodically merry way on the third and gradually minimised the difference in runs between the two sides.

He reached his century in 275 minutes and 207 balls with a square drive through point off Robiul Islam. In the process Chanderpaul shared a half-century stand with Jeremiah Lewis.

Shuvagata, Taijul and Rubel picked three wickets each in the innings.

SCORES IN BRIEF

BANGLADESH: First innings 377 for 7 dec

ST KITTS AND NEVIS: First innings 399 all out in 127 overs (Chanderpaul 183, Jeffers 118; Hom 3-48, Taijul 3-109, Rubel 3-90)