India in command against Bangladesh on day one

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DHAKA - Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan put India in a commanding position on day one of the second cricket Test against Bangladesh after the hosts were bowled out for 233 in the first innings at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium here Sunday.

On a pitch which is likely to assist spinners earlier than expected, Ishant (4-66) and Zaheer (3-62) made regular inroads into the Bangladesh batting order after the hosts decided to bat. Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha, who came in place of leg-spinner Amit Mishra, chipped in with two wickets for 49 runs.

For Bangladesh, Mahmudullah stood tall amidst ruins with a splendid unbeaten 96. His 156-ball innings included 13 fours.

In reply, India were 69 for no loss from the day’s remaining 13 overs with Gautam Gambhir batting at 26 and Virender Sehwag 41, when the stumps were drawn.

Nothing went well for Bangladesh, who had not even opened their account when they lost opener Imrul Kayes off the very first Ishant delivery in the second over.

Zaheer rattled Tamim Iqbal’s bails in the next over and Bangladesh had lost both their openers for a mere four runs.

Ohja, introduced in the 13th over, got the prized wicket of Mohammad Ashraful. Ashraful, who had been in an woeful form, raced to a 31-ball 39 with six fours but came down the track against the spinner, missed the line only to be stumped by Dhoni.

Bangladesh were tottering at 84 for five at lunch, before skipper Shakib Al Hasan and wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim looked poised to rescue the hosts. The two rustled up 55 runs for the sixth wicket when Rahim, who slammed his maiden century in the first Test, was trapped leg before by Ishant. He made 30 that came with the help of six fours.

With the hosts reeling at 106 for six, it was left to Mahmudullah and Shakib to make amends. Mahmudullah batted fluently and, with Shakib, kept the scoreboard ticking before the skipper, attempting to cut Zaheer, edged a catch to Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Shakib’s 34 came off 67 balls and included four fours.

Shahadat Hossain bided some time at the crease with Mahmudullah, who brought up his half century in 71 balls with six fours, at the other end. But Hossain (8) was stumped by Ojha for his second wicket.

The last two wickets Shafiul Islam (9) and Rubel Hossain (4) added 78 runs with Mahmudullah but failed to stick for long.