Lara & Sarwan Pile On The Runs
Sunday, June 6 2004
The West Indies dominated Day 2 as Lara and Sarwan added 179 runs for the third wicket after dismissing Bangladesh for 284.
Bangladesh came out to bat on the second morning with just one wicket remaining Tapash Baisya 36* and Tareq Aziz 4* the batsman not out overnight. The pair managed to add a further 20 runs before Baisya who was insight of his maiden Test half century was dismissed caught for 48.
The West Indies made a solid start in reply and Gayle and Smith were looking untroubled, however in the 11th over of the reply Gayle edged one behind to give Aziz his first Test wicket of his career.
Sarwan joined Smith out in the middle and both of the batsmen dominated the bowlers adding a further 83 runs in 20 overs before a fine piece of fielding saw Smith run out for a 112 ball 44.
Lara walked to the middle at 109/2 and with his own words ringing in his ears he was determined to bat for a long time and after getting in he set about upping the rate with Sarwan happy to play the anchor role to his captain.
Sarwan soon went past his 50 as the partnership grew and grew and his captain wasn’t far behind as he raced to his own 50 from just 54 balls.
The pair continued to pile on the runs throughout the day as the Bangladesh bowlers toiled on a slow wicket offering very little to the bowlers.
It wasn’t long before Lara had caught up and over taken Sarwan as both batsmen entered the 70's, just after Tea both players reached their centuries Lara first from just 121 balls including 10 x 4's and 3 x 6's, and Sarwan just a few overs later.
With just over 30 minutes of play remaining in the day Lara tried to cut the spinner but only succeeded in top edging into the gloves of the wicket keeper. Lara departed for an entertaining 119 with the score on 288.
Best joined Sarwan as a night watchman, and the pair navigated their way through the last few overs untroubled.
The West Indies will start day 3 on 294/3 a lead of just 10 runs.
Posted by Richard
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