Tigers sniff a kill
Hasan Masood from Multan
An eventful day's cricket left Bangladesh in with a real chance of forcing their first ever Test win after the tourists took an 183-run lead over Pakistan with six second innings wickets to spare at Multan yesterday.At close on day two, Bangladesh were 77 for four with Rajin Saleh as resolute as ever in his unbeaten 29. Captain Khaled Mahmud was batting with him after Alok Kapali retired hurt. Bangladesh had added 33 runs to their overnight total of 248 for six before they were bowled out for 281. But fantastic bowling by Mohammad Rafique, who came up with his third five-wicket haul (5-36) in four matches and an inspirational Mahmud's career best four for 37 enabled the Tigers to shoot out Pakistan for 175. It was the lowest ever total by any Test side against Bangladesh. But like they did in Peshawar, Bangladesh lost four quick wickets before Saleh and Kapali steadied the ship. However, there was a slight twist still left in the tale when just before stumps, Kapali was hit in the right eye after he missed a pull off a Shabbir Ahmed bouncer. But the good news is that despite having two stitches, Kapali is fit to resume batting today. On an absorbing day, 18 wickets fell as the pitch continued to aid the bowlers, especially the pacemen. Mahmud began the Pakistan destruction by taking the first four wickets of the home team. Coming in to bowl as first change, Mahmud struck in his second ball when debutant opener Salman Butt (12) edged into the safe gloves of Khaled Mashud. Then he removed the other opener Mohammad Hafeez (21) with the first ball of his next over by trapping him leg before. Right after lunch, Mahmud had dangerman Inzamam-ul-Haq (10) caught by Hannan Sarkar in slips before he dismissed Younis Khan (34), taken by Mashud down the leg. When Younis Khan departed, Pakistan were on 121 for four. But they lost their last six wickets adding only 54 runs with Rafique stealing show. He bowled Yasir Hameed (39), Saqlain Mushtaq (9) and Umar Gul (5) and trapped Farhan Adil (25) and Shabbir Ahmed (4) leg before to become Bangladesh's only bowler to have three five-wicket hauls. Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore believes another 120 runs would definitely put his side in a winning position. "We need at least another 120 to 150 to beat Pakistan and I hope we can do that if we bat sensibly tomorrow," said Whatmore after the day's play.
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