Email Us Forum Mail Article Print Article

Pakistan crawl back

Friday, August 22 2003

New kid Yasir Hameed scored a Test hundred in his debut against Bangladesh to lift the Pakistan total at the end of Day Two to a respectable 301 for the loss of 5 wickets. Bangladesh were earlier bowled out for a respectable 288 at the start of the day.

Bangladesh began their first full international series in the best way possible as in form Hannan Sarkar and Habibul Bashar smacked the likes of Akhter, newcomers Gul and Shabbir Ahmed to all parts of the ground. He was particularly severe on anything that was short of length. He scored a rapid 71 off 72 balls. Hannan batted well for his 41.

But just as things were looking good, both the batsmen threw their wickets away almost at the same time. Bangladesh had a minor recovery through newcomer Rajin Saleh and Alok Kapali. Both made good progress only to throw it away just like the first partnership.

In reply, Pakistan lost one of their four debutantes Hafeez to Mashrafee at point in the third over of the innings. But Umer and Hameed steered the home side to safety at lunch. But Umer lost his composure and was caught brilliantly by Javed Omar off Rafique. Then came the big shock for Pakistan. Inzamam Ul Haq made an inglorious return to the side and was caught at mid-wicket off the bowling of Tapash Baisya.

But Yousuf Youhanna held forte and guided young Hameed to his debut Test hundred. Their 131 runs stand was finally broken by Saleh’s full toss at Youhanna. The experienced batsman, at 46, hit it straight back at him. Captain Latif and Misbah Ul Haq are the not out batsman but the day belonged to young Hameed who stroked the ball splendidly on his way to a superb 170. Mashrafee eventually dismissed him and he was greeted by generous applause by the small crowd. The Third Day of the Test should be enthralling and will be a true test of character for Whatmore’s charges.



Posted by Isam