Bangladesh 503 [Imrul Kayes 130, Tamim Iqbal 109, Shakib Al Hasan 71, Mominul Haque 48, Rubel Hossain 45, Subhagato Hom 35, Sikandar Raza 3/123, Hamilton Masakadza 2/23, 2/77, T Panyangara 2/70, SW Masakadza 2/77], and 23 for 0 (Tamim 8*, Kayes 11*) lead Zimbabwe 374 (E Chigumbura 88, Sikandar Raza 82, Hamilton Masakadza 81, RW Chakabva 65, Jubair Hossain 5/96, Shafiul Islam 2/5o) by 152 runs
When tigers get the taste of blood it only becomes a matter of time for prey to succumb and get digested. Bengal tigers looked ominous for yet another prey at stumps on the third day of the third test with a solid foundation of a lead of 152 runs with all second innings wicket at their disposal. Another quick 200 by tea toady will put them in an impregnable position for “Bongo Dholai” of the visitors in the test series.
Bangladesh dismissed the tourist for 374 in the first innings as very impressive teenage sensation Jubair bowled with the maturity of an experienced leg spinner. This boy has really a thinking head on his teenaged shoulder. The flighted delivery which deceived seasoned Zimbabwean captain Brendon Taylor could even please great Shane Warne. The way he allured well set dangerous looking Elton Chigumbura was really a treat to watch. This boy, I am getting more and more assured, has a definite future in Bangladesh cricket if nursed and cared appropriately. His five wickets turned the tide for the tigers after the Zimbabweans rallying on four half centuries and their best batting on the tour were threatening to close the gap in the first innings.
Shakib and Taijul for a change were not being able to cause damage Likhon is the nick name of Jubair meaning writing. Likhon wrote the script of the drama which now will be played on today and tomorrow. Any target of 300 plus will not be easy to chase for the tourist on the deteriorating pitch against relentless Tiger squad. Bangladesh has to bat with purpose and go for the kill with a substantial second innings.
The wicket had very little to offer to any bowler. Zimbabweans were also batting with skill and resolution. The overnight unconquered second wicket partnership was extended to 160 and was well on the way to take the tourist to a zone of comfort.
Shafiul Islam was bowling on a tight wicket to wicket from the morning struck a vital blow trapping mount Masakdza looking soild at 81. This success was immediately followed by teenager Jubair who deceived skipper Taylor with a looping flighted leg spinner. Jubair dealt another telling blow removing a well set Sikandar Raza alluring him to drive uppishly. Mahamudullah at cover grabbed a good catch. Suddenly 1/168 became 4/172. Jubair also fooled Ervine causing further damage.
Young Chakabva and seasoned Chigumubura started the resurrecting act admirably for the tourist till again Shafiul dealt a crucial blow. Chakabva was trapped leg before at well complied 65. Shakib and Taijul joining the wicket hunt commenced the biting of the Bangla bees. It was to be seen whether Likhon could get his first 5 wicket haul in a test innings which he did.
Jubair bowled liked a much matured leggie and bowled to a plan. He was looking very assured and confident. He is an exciting prospect. Leg spin is a dying art in world cricket. Quality leg spinners are endangered species. Bangladesh must consider it lucky that they have one quality leggie now alongside with two high-quality left arm spinners. Skipper Mushfiqur is also using him intelligently. Jubair has a bright future. He must keep his head on his shoulder and conduct himself. Hope Bangladesh team management and coaching stuff will nurse him well.
Bangladesh is already 152 runs ahead. They must now bat a bit more aggressively till tea and try to extend the lead to 350 at least. Batting against three quality spinners and Rubel-Shafiul reverse swing in the fourth innings will not be easy.
This writer saw every ball of the third day live on TV. Bangladesh bowling looked disciplined all the way. I was particularly fascinated watching the way young Jubair bowled. His loops looked impressive. He could bowl to the weakness of specific batsmen which gave evidence that he is a thinking bowler. He was not worried about fighting the ball and inviting batsmen to drive.
I am sure Shane would like him bowl more on leg middle line to make batsmen play most of his deliveries placing two closing fielders at silly mid-on and backward short leg. We are sure Shakib-Taijul-Jubair trio will win this and many other tests for Bangladesh in home in not too distant future.
Bangladeshis all over the world prepare. Party time is looming.
BDST: 0845 HRS, NOV 15, 2014
