Dhaka Test alive as Sajid bags six-for

Woeful batting by Bangladesh on the fourth day of the rain-affected Dhaka Test has brought life back into second Test of the two-match Test series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

At stumps on Day 4, The hosts find themselves in a precarious yet familiar territory, on 76 for seven after 26 overs in their first innings, and are looking to first pile up a total of 101 to avoid follow-on from here with Taijul Islam set to resume fifth day's action at the crease with Shakib Al Hasan on strike, who has played a 23 off 32-ball knock so far. 

Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul Islam walks off at stumps. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

After Pakistan declared their first innings at 300 for four at the stroke of Tea, Bangladesh top-order had a big advantage as Babar Azam was forced to operate exclusively with spinners due to insufficient light on ground. Shaheen Afridi only got to bowl a solitary over, the first of the innings, and he looked threatening from the word go.  

A section of the crowd at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

However, it only took Sajid Khan to topple six out of seven batters to have fallen for the hosts, with the other being the dismissal of skipper Mominul, who needlessly tried to sneak a risky single against the run of play and was run-out at the non-striker's end.

Mominul Haque down on his knee after substitute fielder Hasan Ali dismissed the Bangladesh captain with a direct throw at the non-striker's end. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

And the latest to depart was Mehedy Hasan Miraz on naught, who had his off stump dislodged by the right-handed off-spinner, apparently having the game of his life.  

Sajid Khan jumps in delight while Shakib Al Hasan is livid after the dismissal of Mehedi Hasan Miraz. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

All seven batters to have fallen for Bangladesh so far, apart from Najmul Hossain Shanto (30), went out in disappointing fashion, which were against the demand of the game scenario from Bangladesh's perspective.

Both Liton Das (6) and debutant Mahmudul Hasan Joy (0) brought their demise by trying to dance down the wicket to combat Sajid, even though the debutant offered a defensive shot unlike Liton, who got caught-and-bowled trying clear mid-on area. And opener Shadman Islam (3) mistimed a forceful cut shot while veteran Mushfiqur Rahim (5) went down attempting to hoick over mid-wicket.

A sorry looking scoreboard, as far as the Tigers are concerned. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

The bulk of the bowling was done by Sajid and Nauman Ali, the duo having bowled 24 out of 26 overs for Pakistan. Nauman could have dismissed Shanto earlier on 21 had he not bowled a no-ball. At the end of the day, even skipper Babar chipped in with an over while Sajid boasted an impressive 35 for six in 12 overs. 

Pakistan captain Babar Azam in action with ball, in an attempt to extend the day's play, which ended prematurely again due to bad light.

With the latest shambolic display by the Tigers, it is good news however for the Pakistan fans, also the neutrals, as the visitors now have a shot at winning the second Test, which saw only 63.2 overs played in the first three days of play and was destined for a draw, with the rain having had washed out entire third day's action.