1st Test: Pakistan v Bangladesh at Multan, 29 Aug-02 Sep 2001 CricInfo Live Report

1st Test: Pakistan v Bangladesh at Multan, 29 Aug-02 Sep 2001
Rafi Nasim

Pakistan 1st innings: At Stumps, Day - 2: At Lunch, Day - 2: At Tea, Day - 2: At Stumps,
Bangladesh 1st innings: At Lunch, At Tea,

BANGLADESH IN DIRE STRAITS CHASING A DEFICIT OF 412

Pakistan decided to continue batting to provide both batsmen the chance to complete their centuries as quickly as possible. Doing it in a hurry was a bit risky as Yousuf Youhana survived a clear run out chance. Had the throw been accurate, his hopes of a century would have gone.

The race between the two continued, but Abdur Razzaq won by smashing Naimur Rahman for a 4 to complete his century. His marvellous century scored in 85 balls contained 14 fours and 2 sixes. A few overs later, Youhana followed suit by pushing a full toss from Mohammad Sharif through gully for a 4 to complete his elegant and well thought out century. He scored it in 160 balls with the help of 14 fours.

Pakistan declared at 546 for 3, gaining a lead of 412 and also got into the record books for scoring 5 centuries in an innings of a Test match.

Bangladesh – 2nd Innings

Facing a gigantic 412 runs to make Pakistan bat again, Bangladesh started off with Javed Omar and Mehrab Hossain against Pakistan’s regular pace attack of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. The pair bowled with 4 slips and a gully trying to find an edge or two with 19 overs available today.

Though Wasim Akram bowled well, he did not find lady luck giving him any support. Waqar Younis proved rather too good for the visitors. Hurling his missiles at good length, he got Javed Omar (4) out with Bangladesh’s total at 5. Mehrab Hossain (9) offered an easy catch to Rashid Latif behind the stumps and was his second victim. Bangladesh lost 2 wickets for only 22 runs on the board.

Abdur Razzaq took over from Wasim for a short spell after which the spin duo of Shoaib Malik and Danish Kaneria was introduced. Kaneria met with instant success when he got Aminul Islam caught by substitute Younis Khan in the slips for 18. Bangladesh was 3 down for 52 runs.

The 2nd day ended with Bangladesh at 55 for the loss of 3 wickets, two of them claimed by Waqar Younis and one by Danish Kaneria. With the manner in which the Bangladesh players are getting out, they have hardly a hope of survival beyond the 3rd day. Even the young bowlers of Pakistan like Shoaib Malik and Danish Kaneria proved too good for them.

WITH CENTURIES GALORE PAKISTAN DICTATING TERMS

The resumption of play after lunch changed complexion of the game to some extent, putting the batsmen on the path of brisk scoring. They made a number of attempts to loft the ball outside the stadium but generally ended up in fours instead of sixes. With Pakistan’s total rising to 377 for 3, Inzamam hoisted a flawless 100 with the help of 15 fours and a six. It was Inzi’s 15th century in Test cricket. In the meantime Yousuf Youhana also completed his 50 of the innings.

Bangladesh took the new ball in the 90th over with Pakistan’s score at 383 for 3 but it had no serious effect on the batsmen. Suffering from a little pain in the back and also feeling the effects of dehydration, Inzamam, however, went off the field (retired hurt). His place was taken by Abdur Razzaq. With the change of batsmen at the crease, there were ups and downs in the rate of scoring.

After settling down at the crease, Razzaq was on the rampage plundering 14 runs in an over from Mohammad Sharif. With two consecutive boundaries he registered Pakistan’s 400 and continued to play some hot and crisp shots. Having jumped into 60s Yousuf Youhana was well set at the other end, adding gradually to his score and aiming to reach his 100 in a style safe and steady.

Despite Multan’s traditionally burning sun, a big crowd had built up at the stadium, the students forming the bigger chunk of spectators. Their applause for players’ performance was thus measured and correct. There was no rashness in the manner that the two batsmen were playing. At times they offered the glimpses of absolutely bookish cricket and looked like batting against a top team like Australia.

Not maintaining his cool, Razzaq completed his half century with a shot played over the heads of the fielders. Occasional hits to the boundary was perhaps the best method of piling up big scores. Saeed Anwar, Taufeeq Umar and Inzamam ul Haq having already scored centuries, Youhana was also on the way.

Bangladesh was making all efforts to dislodge the partnership. Expecting a miracle they called the opening batsman Javed Omer ( not a regular bowler) to try his luck. To his dismay he was lifted for a mighty six by Abdur Razzaq. It was now a race between Youhana (77) and Razzaq (71) as to who reaches his 100 first. The tea break coming with Pakistan at 480 for 3, however, broke the tempo that the two batsmen had built.

It remained a matter of guess and speculation, as to whether Pakistan would declare the innings closed or wait for the two batsmen to complete their centuries, to get into the record books for scoring 5 centuries in one innings.

WITH 324 FOR 3 PAKISTAN CONTINUES TO DOMINATE

The 2nd day’s play was resumed on a pitch that had neither a blade of green grass on it nor a tinge of moisture. It was, however, described to be ideal for batting providing Pakistan the bright hope of piling up a big total.

With an unbeaten 77 to his credit the overnight star Taufeeq Umar resumed the innings against the pace attack of Hasibul Hossain, thrashed him for 2 beautiful boundaries to mid-off plundering 10 runs in the 1st over. Combined with the quick runs scored by Inzamam-ul-Haq on the other end, the two of them raised Pakistan’s total to 250 runs in 50 overs of batting.

The atmosphere was shrouded in excitement with all eyes open to see Taufeeq Umar (96) achieving the distinguished landmark of a century on test debut. Having played two maiden overs the batsman seemed to be in no hurry thus showing a matured attitude at the crucial hour. The suspense ended when with a drive for 2 runs off Mohammad Sharif, Taufeeq hoisted his maiden century, becoming the 8th Pakistani batsman to achieve the distinction.

Bangladesh achieved the 3rd success when they got centurian Taufeeq out, caught by wicket keeper Khaled Masud off Hasibul Hossain, when the batsman attempted a shot away from his body. The score board showed Pakistan’s total as 258 for 3.

Yousuf Youhana took the crease. With the departure of Tauseef Umar, the focuss of attention was now expected to shift to Inzamam-ul-Haq, though both the batsmen were prolific in their own right. After 62 overs of play Pakistan was 275 for 3 with Inzamam (44) and Youhana (9) in full command.

Surprisingly for some time the game turned into a drab affair. While the Bangladesh bowlers were wide off the mark, the Pakistan batsmen were not very enterprising either. It was a strange display of slow and steady batting with a boundary becoming a rare commodity.

Inzamam was stuck at 49 for a long time and after a long wait, he completed his 50 in 107 balls, having stayed at the crease for 144 minutes. This was something uncharacteristic of a stroke maker like Inzamam. Youhana, however, hit a scintillating four to the long on boundary to hoist 300 of Pakistan’s innings.

After a triple century on the board the batsmen opened up a little hitting some high, far and wide shots, finishing with a score of 324 for 3 at lunch. Inzamam (60*) and Youhana (42*) were at the crease. 104 runs were added to the overnight score of 219 in 31 overs of play. With the bowlers posing no serious threat, the batsmen could be more adventurous but they were perhaps following the match strategy.

PAKISTAN GAIN MOMENTUM

Pakistan’s 50 came in 11 overs, immediately after lunch. The Bangladesh bowlers were making no real impact, especially on Saeed Anwar, who could push the ball to the boundary with a mere flick of the wrist. He played most of his shots along the carpet thus diminishing any risk. Drawing inspiration from the maestro, young Taufeeq Umar also played similarly safe and sound shots all round the wicket.

With Pakistan’s total at 92, Saeed Anwar hoisted his masterly half-century with the help of 9 fours in 55 balls. In the process he also completed his 4000 runs in test cricket. With a smashing drive to the covers from the other end, Taufeeq Umar (40) raised Pakistan’s total to 100 without loss.

Bangladesh Skipper Naimur Rahman who is a spinner came on to bowl a long spell but like the pace bowlers, he also failed to beat the two batsmen who continued to punish every loose ball. Another spinner Enamul Haque also tried his skill but was found lacking the quality required to dislodge a solid partnership.

After having been stuck at 41 for a long time, Taufeeq Umar gradually moved up ultimately reaching his first 50 in test cricket scored with the help of 8 boundaries. A little later Pakistan equalled Bangladesh’s total of 134 runs in 29 overs without the loss of a wicket – a credible performance.

After amassing 83 runs Saeed Anwar played the first shot in the air of his innings by hitting Enamul Haque over the deep mid wicket fence for a mighty six that brought the crowd to their feet. With 3 consecutive fours that followed, Saeed Anwar hoisted his 11th Test century, which contained 17 fours and one six.

Bangladesh got its first break when they grabbed the prized wicket of centurion Saeed Anwar, caught on a loose shot off Mohammad Sharif after playing a fantastic innings of 101. Pakistan thus lost the 1st wicket at 168.

Faisal Iqbal came in and scored 9 quick runs and was bowled by Sharif, playing across the line to a straight ball. With Pakistan at 178, Bangladesh achieved the 2nd break-through.

Vice-captain Inzamam-ul-Haq came in and batted with a flourish along with young Taufeeq Umar , who having passed 70s was heading for the rare distinction of scoring a test century on debut. Playing a safe and steady game the two batsmen pushed Pakistan’s total of past 200 and were still going strong.

The day ended with Pakistan at 219 for 2. Taufeeq Umar (77*) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (25*) well entrenched at the crease. Except for Mohammad Sharif who claimed the 2 wickets that fell, no other bowler posed any threat to the batsmen. The standard of Bangladesh’s fielding were, however, up to the mark. Pakistan enjoys a reasonable lead of 85 runs over Bangladesh with 8 wickets in hand.

PAKISTAN FIRMLY ON TOP AFTER LUNCH

During the lunch break a short and crisp but colourful inauguration ceremony of the stadium was performed by the Provincial Governor. A bunch of boys and girls sang national songs and let off a clump of multi-coloured balloons.

As the 2nd session of play started, Akram Khan made his way to the pavilion by offering a skier to Yousuf Youhana at mid-on off Danish Kaneria for 12. Being one of the most experienced players in the side, such a loose shot was not expected from him, especially when his team was under pressure. Bangladesh was now down to 83 for 6.

Enamul Haque joined Khaled Masud. The 100 of the innings that came in 34 overs did not, however, bring any luck to Bangladesh as at the total of 101 the side lost its 7th wicket, while playing an uppish shot Enamul Haque offered an excellent catch to Waqar Younis off Kaneria diving to his right at mid on.

Bowling his magical leg spinners Kaneria struck again when he trapped Khaled Masud lbw on a flipper that the batsman tried to leave. Bangladesh was 107 for 8 with the innings slipping down into the hands of tail-enders Hasibul Hossain and Mohammad Sharif.

Both the batsmen, however, delighted the crowd by hitting a towering six each. The 9th wicket partnership between them had so far added 25 wickets to the total – a commendable effort by the tail-enders.

Hasibul Hossain was the 9th man to go after scoring useful 18 runs when he was caught by Taufeeq Umar off Kaneria at the total of 134. Mohammad Sharif followed him immediately after, when he came down the pitch to hit Shoaib Malik and was clean bowled.

Bangladesh was thus all out for 134 runs. The one-man demolition squad that destroyed Bangladesh consisted of young Danish Kaneria who grabbed 6 wickets for 42 runs. Skipper Waqar Younis and off spinner Shoaib Malik equally shared the remaining 4 wickets. Wasim Akram bowled exceedingly well maintaining excellent line and length but was unlucky not to claim a wicket.

Pakistan’s 1st Innings

In reply to Bangladesh’s modest total of 134, Pakistan opened the innings with Saeed Anwar and debutante Taufeeq Umar against the pace attack of Monjural Islam and Mohammad Sharif.

Saeed Anwar treated the two bowlers rather harshly. With a flurry of shots to the boundary, the total rose to 32 in 5 overs with 25 runs flowing out of his bat. At tea Pakistan was 48 for no loss with Saeed anwar (30) and Taufeeq Umar (17) holding the crease absolutely unperturbed.

BANGLADESH STRUGGLING AT 76 FOR 5

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat on a pitch that had a hard grassy surface with some moisture underneath. Former Pakistan Captain Intikhab Alam described the pitch as good for batting and helpful to spinners but at the same time expected to provide reasonable bounce to pace bowlers. The outfield was rather slow.

With the lush green ground, the newly built Multan Cricket Stadium looked gorgeous and the crowd building up as play progressed. There were joyful scenes of celebrating the inauguration of their new stadium, shouting, chanting, waving flags as well as cheerleaders.

Pakistan awarded test caps to two promising youngsters, Taufeeq Umar an opening batsman and Shoaib Malik, the off spinner who replaced Saqlain Mushtaq, away in England.

Bangladesh opened with Javed Omer and Mehrab Hossain against Pakistan’s best attack of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. Wasim started with an excellent line conceding only 2 runs in the first 2 overs.

While Mehrab Hossain was playing a sturdy innings, Javed Omer was rather adventurous. He scored the first four of the innings by lifting Waqar to fine leg followed by another boundary off Wasim Akram through the slips. Trying a similar shot again, he was caught at gully by Shoaib Malik off Waqar Younis after scoring 12 runs. Bangladesh was 20 for 1.

Habibul Bashar joined Mehrab Hossain at the crease, adding another boundary to the total by playing a wild shot over the slips off Waqar’s bowling. A little later he pulled Waqar to square leg for another four, on a delivery that pitched outside the leg stump.

The first hour’s play yielded 50 runs in 12 overs. The batsmen were playing with reasonable confidence against Pakistan’s top quickies when Waqar struck again. Trying to hook a short-pitched delivery from Waqar, Habib was smartly caught by wicket keeper Rashid Latif for 13, bringing Bangladesh down to 50 for 2.

Aminul Islam who holds the distinction of scoring the first test century for his country joined opener Mehrab at the crease but they did not stay together for long. Playing a full-blooded shot to leg spinner Danish Kaneria, Mehrab was caught by Faisal Iqbal after playing a steady innings of 19. With about 30 minutes to go for lunch Bangladesh was 55 for 3.

Akram Khan came in to bat. In the meantime debutante off spinner Shoaib Malik clinched his first test wicket when he clean bowled Aminul Islam for 10 runs, rendering Bangladesh to 67 for 4.

Skipper Naimur Rahman came in, smashed the off-spinner for two quick boundaries, one through the slips and the other to covers before making his exit for 8. Faisal Iqbal caught him at silly point off Danish Kaneria. Lunch came with Bangladesh struggling at 76 for 5.

The constant fall of wickets brought Bangladesh under immense pressure. While the first hour of play yielded 50 runs the second hour brought only 26. With 2 wickets for only 4 runs leg spinner Danish Kaneria was the master craftsman of the session.