‘Brilliant’ Taijul pegs back Pakistan

Brilliant Taijul Islam came up with brilliant bowling in the docile pitch as Bangladesh hit back in style to reduce Pakistan 203-4 at lunch on day three of the opening Test at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhruy Stadium in Chattogram on Sunday.

Taijul ended the morning session with 3-70, bowling 16 overs unchanged from one end to peg back Pakistan who resumed the day on 145 for no loss.

But opener Abid Ali remained firm amid Taijul's vicious bowling to remain not out on 127 off 269, hitting 11 fours and two sixes. Mohammad Rizwan was on 5 along with him at the first break.

Taijul struck in the first over of the day, dismissing Abdullah Shafique and Azhar Ali via review in consecutive deliveries and dashed Pakistan's plan to unleash aggressive cricket in a bid to bury the hosts under huge runs.

Shafique couldn't add any run to his overnight total of 52.

Abid, who started the day on 93, flicked Taijul past square leg for a couple to reach his fourth Test century off 209 balls.

Skipper Babar Azam appeared to be in control before offspinner Mehidy Hasan's (1-56) quicker delivery rattled his stump for 10.

Taijul used his flight and variation well to not only take the wickets but also curb the aggression of Pakistan batters.

He reaped the rewards again when he spun one sharply to take the edge of Fawad Alam for 8, which umpire somehow missed, only the decision be overturned on review.

The replay showed the ball brushed Alam's glove.

MMA/