Tamim, Kayes help Bangladesh draw Test against Pakistan

Khulna (Bangladesh), May 2 (IANS) A world record second innings opening stand of 312 runs between Tamim Iqbal (206) and Imrul Kayes (150) helped Bangladesh salvage a draw against Pakistan in the first cricket Test at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium here on Saturday.

Tamim smashed a majestic double century, only the second Bangladesh batsman other than Mushfiqur Rahim to achieve the feat, after combining with Kayes for a remarkable 312-run partnership on Friday.

The pair surpassed the previous highest second innings opening stand in Test history, 290, set in 1960 by English openers Colin Cowdrey and Geoff Pullar against South Africa.

Kayes walked shoulder to shoulder with Tamim until he perished. But the latter remained unfazed and went on to reach the landmark highest score for Bangladesh.

The striking feature of Bangladesh’s batting in the second innings was their ability to seamlessly change gears from time to time.

Bangladesh notched up 555 for six, their highest second innings score in Tests, when the captains decided to settle on a draw after rain had interrupted the final day’s play in two spells.

It was also the first time Pakistan had conceded more than 500 runs in the second innings and in the process registered their first ever draw against the Tigers in nine Tests played between them. Bangladesh had lost all the previous Tests.

Tamim registered Bangladesh’s second double ton after Mushfiqur Rahim’s 200 against Sri Lanka in 2013 before walking back stumped off Mohammad Hafeez.By then Bangladesh’s lead had swelled to 103 runs.

Thereafter, Shakib Al Hasan (76 not out) led the charge with a 64-run fourth-wicket partnership with Mahmudullah and a 60-run fifth-wicket stand with Soumya Sarkar, who was once again out at 33.

Shakib and Mahmudullah took Bangladesh past 413, their previous highest second innings total.With the game inevitably headed towards a draw, the players shook hands and settled for a draw.

Brief scores: Bangladesh 332 and 555/6 declared (Tamim Iqbal 206, Imrul kayes 150, Shakib Al Hasan 76 not out; Junaid Khan 2/88, Mohammad Hafeez 2/82), Pakistan 628. Match drawn.