India in Bangladesh

[Pintu]

Statistical highlights of India-Bangladesh first Test - Top Stories - India in Bangladesh, 2010 - Series & Tournaments - Cricket - Sports - The Times of India

Statistical highlights of India-Bangladesh first Test
PTI, 19 January 2010, 06:45pm IST

CHITTAGONG: Following are the statistical highlights on third day of first Test between India and Bangladesh on Wednesday.

# Virender Sehwag has been involved in fifth consecutive partnership of fifty or more for the first wicket in Tests -- 81 with Gautam Gambhir at Ahmedabad; 233 at Kanpur; 221 with Murali Vijay at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai -- all three against Sri Lanka and 79 and 90 with Gambhir against Bangladesh in the Chittagong Test.

# Sehwag and Gambhir have recorded 21 opening stands, including six hundreds and 15 fifty-plus in 45 innings, establishing an Indian Test record, beating 20 such stands (10 century stands + 10 fifty-plus) between Sunil Gavaskar and Chetan Chauhan in 59 innings.

# An Indian opening pair, for the first time, has posted two fifty-plus partnerships in each innings of a Test match against Bangladesh -- 79 & 90.

# Amit Mishra's unbeaten 24 is his best score against Bangladesh, obliterating the 14 in the first innings of the Chittagong Test.

# Mishra is all set to register his highest ever innings when he bats tomorrow. Against Sri Lanka at Ahmedabad in November 2009, he had posted 24.

# With Shakib Al Hasan's wicket, Zaheer Khan has captured his 19th wicket in six Tests against Bangladesh -- the best tally for India against Bangladesh, surpassing Irfan Pathan's tally of 18 wickets (ave.11.88) in two Tests.

# Dinesh Karthik has set a wicket-keeping record in Bangladesh-India Tests -- 10 dismissals (9 catches + 1 stumping) in five innings, beating Khaled Mashud's tally of eight dismissals (5 catches + 3 stumpings) in seven innings.

# Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah have added 108 for the seventh wicket -- Bangladsh's highest against India, surpassing the 93 between Aminul Islam and Khaled Mashud at Dhaka in November 2000.

# The 108-run stand is now the second stand of 100-plus for Bangladesh for any wicket against India -- the best ever is 115 between Aftab Ahmed and Mohammad Ashraful for the fifth wicket at Chittagong in December 2004.

# Mahmudullah (69) has recorded his highest score in Tests -- his maiden fifty.

# Sehwag, as Indian skipper, has registered his best ever performance in a Test match -- 97 (52 + 45). His overall aggregate as captain is 173 in six innings at an average of 28.83 (three Tests).

 

[Pintu]

The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Sports | Bangladesh have a prayer on their lips

Bangladesh have a prayer on their lips
- It was a good bowling effort... We stuck to the right areas, says Zaheer

LOKENDRA PRATAP SAHI

Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan in
Chittagong on Tuesday. (AFP)

Chittagong: Having failed to put Team India on the mat, from dream-like situations, the Bangladesh players appeared to head for the prayer mat, after stumps on Day III of the first Test.

Unless the weather plays a big hand on the two days that remain, divine intervention may be needed to save the hosts from travelling to Dhaka, for the second and final match of the Idea Cup, 0-1 down.

Play on Tuesday, too, was hit by poor light. At the premature close, the visitors were on an absolutely commanding 122 for one. The runs came at a fast clip, in less than 23 overs.

One doesn’t need to guess India’s game plan.

The first innings of both teams ended within 250 and, with India’s lead a paltry one, the Test will be decided by performances in innings No.2.

“We fought back, from 98 for six... That’s a plus... It was both a good and a bad day... Early wickets tomorrow and, well, who knows how things will unfold... Of course, besides early wickets, the captain (Shakib-al Hasan) will have to return another fiver,” Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons told The Telegraph at the Peninsula Hotel.

Promising all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad and wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim (he’s the vice-captain as well) staged the recovery, adding 108 for the seventh wicket.

Mushfiqur lost his head and, with it, his wicket. Otherwise, it’s possible that Bangladesh could well have gone ahead of India by more than a few runs.

Riyad, who is a Mahendra Singh Dhoni admirer (“I like his batting, but don’t try to copy him”), finished as the top-scorer — 69, with 11 boundaries. Mushfiqur contributed 44.

Zaheer Khan and Amit Mishra, making a comeback, picked up three wickets each. Sreesanth and Ishant Sharma, another comebackwallah, had two apiece.

Ishant had some really good overs and this outing is bound to lift his confidence significantly.

He has, at least, looked hungry.

“It was a good bowling effort... We stuck to the right areas and were patient... Initially, the wicket did help the bowlers, but has got better and better for batting... I’m hopeful we’ll be able to win,” Zaheer said.

The story may have read differently had Bangladesh struck early in the second innings. Instead, the 50 came up within nine overs and the openers, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, were together till 90.

Clearly, Sehwag and Gambhir seem to be collaborating in the manner of Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes.

Sehwag, the stand-in captain, fell for 45. Gambhir is on 47, with nightwatchman Mishra on 24 from only 21 balls.

Day IV, too, is scheduled to start at 8.30 am (IST). An on-time beginning would set a record of sorts.

 

[Pintu]

India 272/5 , India 273 runs ahead with 5 wickets remaining.

Tendulkar just out lbw to Hossain , match is going for exciting finish, cricinfo link :

India 272/5 (57.4 ov, VVS Laxman 11*, Rubel Hossain 1/55) | Live Scorecard | Cricinfo.com

Regards

 

[Pintu]

India piling up runs : (cricinfo link)

India 388/7 (82.0 ov, VVS Laxman 53*, Z Khan 18*, Shahadat Hossain 1/53) | Live Scorecard | Cricinfo.com

Regards

 

[Pintu]

The Press Association: Laxman extends India lead

Laxman extends India lead

(UKPA) – 29 minutes ago

VVS Laxman contributed a half-century as Bangladesh were left facing the prospect of a daunting chase on the fourth day of the first Test against India in Chittagong.

Opener Gautam Gambhir (116), aided by a half-century effort from Amit Mishra (50), laid the foundation for a substantial total with his ninth Test century and fifth in a row in the morning, but India lost their way somewhat with the wickets of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Dinesh Karthik in the afternoon session.

Laxman's undefeated 51 helped India reach 384 for seven at tea, an overall lead of 385, as the visitors were firmly entrenched in the driving seat. Zaheer Khan was batting on 17 at the interval.

India had begun the day in the ascendancy as Gambhir and overnight partner Amit Mishra quickly wrested the initiative before the later Tamim Iqbal at mid-off on 50.

Gambhir was dropped by Imrul Kayes at forward short leg on 55 and went on to reach another century, but perished while attempting to up the pace, cutting a short and wide delivery from debutant Shafiul Islam to Shariar Nafees at third man.

Bangladesh gained another wicket just before the lunch break when Rahul Dravid was run out while attempting a sharp single, replays showing the batsman had his bat across the line but in the air when Shakib broke the stumps at the non-striker's end.

Rubel Hossain, generating plenty of pace off a placid surface, trapped Tendulkar, who hit a century in the first innings, cheaply in front, but India recovered somewhat through a 41-run stand between Laxman and Yuvraj Singh.

Yuvraj, peppered with bouncers right through his brief stay, had looked in good touch, but his stay ended when he drove Shahadat Hossain straight to Mohammad Ashraful at short cover.

Karthik also secured a start, but fell attempting to hit Mahmudullah over the top.

Bangladesh then took the second new ball and Zaheer hammered Shafiul for three boundaries in an over to leave India well poised to go past the 400-run mark and call for a declaration.

 

[Pintu]

AFP: India seize initiative in first Bangladesh Test

India seize initiative in first Bangladesh Test

(AFP) – 2 hours ago

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh — India were on course for setting a stiff target for Bangladesh in the opening Test after Gautam Gambhir achieved a rare feat here on Wednesday.

Left-handed opener Gambhir (116) became the fourth batsman to smash a century in five successive Tests as India reached 384-7 in their second innings at tea on the penultimate day.

Venkatsai Laxman was unbeaten on 51 at the interval and Zaheer Khan was not out on 17.

Australian Don Bradman holds the world record of making hundreds in six consecutive Tests. South African Jacques Kallis and Pakistan's Mohammad Yousuf are the others to have made centuries in five consecutive Tests.

Gambhir completed his hundred in style, hoisting left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan over long on for a six. He also hit 10 fours in his 129-ball knock.

His last four centuries came against New Zealand (at Napier and Wellington) and Sri Lanka (at Ahmedabad and Kanpur) in 2009.

Gambhir fell playing shots, cutting debutant seamer Shafiul Islam to Shahriar Nafees at third man a few overs after reaching his ninth Test hundred in 28 matches.

India went for quick runs in a bid to set a challenging fourth-innings target, scoring 137 in the first session and 125 in the second after resuming at 122-1.

The visitors lost Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh in the afternoon session, but Laxman kept his end intact for more than two hours to boost his team's total.

Tendulkar, who scored a century in the first innings, was trapped leg-before by seamer Rubel Hossain after making 16.

Yuvraj, who looked uncomfortable against short-pitched bowling on a few occasions, fell to a loose shot when he uppishly drove paceman Shahadat Hossain to Mohammad Ashraful at short cover after making 25.

The morning session was dominated by Gambhir and nightwatchman Amit Mishra, who put on 98 for the second wicket.

Mishra hit an impressive 50 for his maiden half-century before being caught by Tamim Iqbal at mid-off by off-spinner Mohammad Mahmudullah. He hit six fours in his 70-ball knock.

Gambhir rarely looked in trouble against Bangladesh's pace-spin combination, playing handsome strokes while adding 69 to his overnight score of 47.

He offered a sharp chance on 55 but Imrul Kayes failed to latch on to the ball at forward short-leg off Shakib.

India lost their third wicket in the morning when Rahul Dravid (24) was run out following a direct-hit at the non-striker's end by Shakib.

 

[Pintu]

Bangladesh under pressure (Cricinfo) :

Ban 14/1 (3.3 ov, Tamim Iqbal 6*, Shahriar Nafees 5*, S Sreesanth 0/7) | Live Scorecard | Cricinfo.com

Regards

 

[Yusuf]

India has got this one wrapped up for sure.

 

[Pintu]

Agreed Yusuf, I think match already in India's pocket.

The Press Association: Gambhir puts India in command


Gambhir puts India in command

(UKPA) – 21 minutes ago

A fifth consecutive century from Gautam Gambhir left India in the driving seat on the fourth day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.

Opener Gambhir hit a sparkling 116 and was well supported by a maiden half-century effort from Amit Mishra (50), while VVS Laxman hit an undefeated 69 as India declared their second innings closed at 413 for eight.

Bangladesh then lost opener Imrul Kayes and one-drop batsman Shariar Nafees early in their pursuit of a daunting target of 415, ending the day on 67 for two, still needing 348 for an improbable win. Tamim Iqbal was batting on 23 and with him was Mohammad Ashraful on 16 when play ended early due to fading light.

Gambhir had looked dangerous when play resumed after a short delay due to bad light in the morning, but the real bonus for India was Mishra's diligent innings. Sent in as a nightwatchman, Mishra frustrated the home side with a gritty display, raising 98 for the second wicket with Gambhir in the process.

Mishra, troubled by Shakib Al Hasan's left-arm spin on day three, was more fluent and reached his half-century off 69 deliveries, but fell immediately after, attempting to hit Mahmudullah over the top.

Gambhir, who was dropped by Imrul Kayes at forward short leg on 55, went on to reach his ninth Test century, but perished while attempting to up the pace, cutting a short and wide delivery from debutant Shafiul Islam to Shariar Nafees at third man.

India then lost their way as Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh all fell after building starts. The tourists had by then gone past the 300-run mark and quick runs and a few risks were in order.

Dinesh Karthik perished attempting just that, hitting Mahmudullah to Rubel Hossain at mid-on and Zaheer went just after the tea interval, bowled by Shakib - the left-arm spinner's seventh victim in the match.

While wickets had fallen regularly, Laxman batted on serenely at the other end, reaching his 43rd half-century and getting India past the 400-run mark.

Ishant Sharma was unbeaten on seven when the declaration was eventually made after six overs in the final session.

 

[Pintu]

AFP: India in command after Gambhir feat

India in command after Gambhir feat

By Shafiq Alam (AFP) – 5 hours ago

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh — India grabbed two early wickets to put themselves in a commanding position in the first Test against Bangladesh on Wednesday after Gautam Gambhir achieved a rare feat for the tourists.

Bangladesh face a stiff task to save the Test as they struggled to 67-2 in their second innings at stumps on the penultimate day in Chittagong while chasing an unlikely 415-run victory target.

Only four teams have chased more than 400 in the fourth innings to win a Test.

Opener Tamim Iqbal was unbeaten on 23 at close with Mohammad Ashraful on 16.

Indian paceman Zaheer Khan had Imrul Kayes caught behind in his second over before Ishant Sharma dismissed Shahriar Nafees (21), with stand-in captain Virender Sehwag taking a low catch at gully.

Nafees failed to make the most of the chance he got on five when he was dropped by Venkatsai Laxman at second slip off Zaheer.

Left-handed opener Gambhir (116) earlier became the fourth atsman to smash a century in five successive Tests as India declared their second innings at 413-8 shortly after tea.

Australian Don Bradman holds the world record of making hundreds in six consecutive Tests. South African Jacques Kallis and Pakistan's Mohammad Yousuf are the others to have made centuries in five consecutive Tests.

India added 291 to their overnight total of 122-1, with Gambhir, Laxman (69 not out) and nightwatchman Amit Mishra (50) the main contributors.

Left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan finished with 7-174, the best by a Bangladeshi bowler against India in a Test.

Gambhir completed his hundred in style, hoisting Shakib over long on for a six. He also hit 10 fours in his 129-ball knock.

His last four centuries came against New Zealand (at Napier and Wellington) and Sri Lanka (at Ahmedabad and Kanpur) in 2009.

Gambhir fell cutting debutant seamer Shafiul Islam to Nafees at third man a few overs after reaching his ninth Test hundred in 28 matches.

India lost Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh in the afternoon session, but Laxman kept his end intact for more than two hours to boost his team's total.

Tendulkar, who scored a century in the first innings, was trapped leg-before by seamer Rubel Hossain after making 16.

Yuvraj (25), who looked uncomfortable against short-pitched bowling on a few occasions, fell to a loose shot when he uppishly drove paceman Shahadat Hossain to Ashraful at short cover.

The morning session belonged to Gambhir and Mishra, who put on 98 for the second wicket. Mishra hit six fours in his maiden half-century.

Gambhir rarely looked in trouble against Bangladesh's pace-spin combination, playing handsome strokes while adding 69 to his overnight score of 47.

Bangladesh had a chance to dismiss Gambhir on 55 but Kayes dropped a sharp chance at forward short-leg off Shakib.

 

[Pintu]

Scorecard update : (Cricinfo link)

Ban 67/2 (18.0 ov, Tamim Iqbal 23*, Mohammad Ashraful 16*, A Mishra 0/10) - Stumps | Live Scorecard | Cricinfo.com

Regards

 

[NSG_Blackcats]

Gauti enters record books with five consecutive tons

Chittagong: Gautam Gambhir today became the fourth batsman in the world to score five consecutive Test hundreds when he smashed 116 off 129 balls in India`s second innings in the first cricket Test against Bangladesh here.

Australian legend Don Bradman leads the pack with six consecutive Tests tons while South African Jacques Kallis and Pakistan`s Mohammad Yousuf have also scored five hundreds in five consecutive matches. Four of the Indian opener`s five tons came in the second innings.

Gambhir`s four earlier Test tons were in Napier (137 against New Zealand in March 2009), in Wellington (167 against New Zealand in April 2009), in Ahmedabad (114 against Sri Lanka on November 16, 2009) and in Kanpur (167 against Sri Lanka on November 24, 2009).

 

[Pintu]

The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Sports | Heat is on Bangladesh

Heat is on Bangladesh
- Gambhir 4th batsman to register hundreds in five consecutive Tests

LOKENDRA PRATAP SAHI

Chittagong: After a show of bravado (“if we bat through the day, then we will win”), Bangladesh captain Shakib-al Hasan admitted he actually was “nervous”.

Understandable, given that India’s stand-in captain Virender Sehwag set the hosts a target of 415. By stumps on Day IV, 67 of those runs had been knocked off, but for the loss of two wickets.

To say the task is daunting would be an understatement.

Actually, even though the wicket at the Z.A. Chowdhury Stadium has eased considerably, it would be difficult for Bangladesh to survive the concluding day of the first Test for the Idea Cup.

It’s a two-match series.

“Three results are possible... We could win, we may lose or it could be a draw... Obviously, everybody in my team will have to accept responsibility and play accordingly,” Shakib pointed out.

Of the four days, Wednesday was the least affected by fog and insufficient light. If the weather gets even better, then it may just get tougher for Bangladesh.

Not that there won’t be pressure on the visitors, the No.1-ranked Test team.

“Pressure to hai... That’s always there in international cricket... The wicket has become slower and, so, we bowlers will have to work harder... Aur mehnat karni pade gi,” sole specialist spinner Amit Mishra said.

Mishra, who played only because Harbhajan Singh had a stiff neck, has already had a good match — three wickets and a career-best 50, as nightwatchman, in innings No.2.

The likes of Tony Mann have, as nightwatchmen, tormented Indian teams. It’s a nice change when one of our tailenders frustrates the opposition in exactly that role.

Mishra, believe it or not, was the ‘senior’ partner in the 98-run stand for the second wicket. A feature of his partnership with Gautam Gambhir was the Bangladesh players’ poor body language.

It seemed they were out to prove Sehwag right on the “ordinary side” bit. Moreover, both Gambhir and Mishra were dropped once each.

Resuming on 122 for one, India batted till 28 minutes after tea, when the declaration was effected, at 413 for eight. That denied Bangladesh the chance to take all 20 wickets, something an arrogant Sehwag had insisted wouldn’t happen.

At the declaration, veteran V.V.S.Laxman was unbeaten on a classy 69, but Gambhir was the cynosure. He became the fourth batsman (after Sir Donald Bradman, Jacques Kallis and Mohammed Yousuf) to register hundreds in five consecutive Tests.

Sir Don, in fact, heads that list with six.

Asked by The Telegraph, at the Peninsula Hotel, whether he’d been aware of where he stood, Gambhir replied: “I was, yes... I knew that I was within sight of five in five. However, I didn’t know that Bradman tops with six...”

Gambhir doesn’t play for records, but he’s setting them. Indeed, on the way to his ninth hundred (116), Gambhir also joined the select club whose members have scored at least a 50 in each of their last 10 Tests.

Awesome really.

What’s especially pleasing is that his feet are firmly on the ground.

Gambhir does use them well, though, like when he stepped out, on 97, to send Shakib over the rope. What a way to reach a hundred!

The Bangladesh team is still in the stage of “development” and the Tamim Iqbals should try and learn from Gambhir.

Tamim, by the way, has begun the second innings in uncharacteristic fashion: 23 not out from 56 balls.

It’s to be seen just how long the stroke-maker keeps his natural instincts in check. A good many, including uncle Mohammed Akram Khan (former captain and now selector), would be keeping fingers crossed.

Play is scheduled to begin at 8.30 am (IST).

 

[Pintu]

The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Sports | Gambhir: I look at every innings as being my last

Gambhir: I look at every innings as being my last

OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Chittagong: Just days after telling The Telegraph that he wasn't one for records, Gautam Gambhir joined a very exclusive bunch, on Wednesday.

At the end of Day IV of the first Test, he spoke to the media at the Z.A. Chowdhury Stadium.

The following are excerpts

“It’s not that I’m chasing (Sir Don) Bradman... I’ll be very happy if, along the way, I get to six hundreds in six Tests... If I start thinking of records, then I’ll be under more pressure...

“What’s most important is that I give good starts... I need to build on them, for one never really knows what may happen in the next innings...

“I don’t set targets, because whenever I have, I’ve not achieved them! I look at every innings as possibly being my last...

“Playing for the country is the biggest motivation, not records or awards... The day that motivation dries up, I'll stop playing...

“I know I’ve been dropped a number of times, but I don’t look back... I like to look ahead... I’d score in the Ranji Trophy and tell myself that if I could get runs there, why not for India? I’d work hard...

“Actually, I’d love to keep coming back to Bangladesh... My ODI debut was in Bangladesh (in 2003), then I made my ODI comeback in Bangladesh (2007)... It has been pretty lucky for me...

“It’s Viru (Virender Sehwag) who said I should look to convert 50s into 100s if I was to be successful... I’ve tried to follow his advice...

“I wouldn’t like to put pressure on myself by saying that the only challenge left is to score (in Tests) in Australia and South Africa... But, yes, there are more challenges for openers there...

“The wicket here has turned flat... If they (Bangladesh) play positively, then anything can happen... If we bowl well, we will win... The wicket has had something for everybody...”



FIVE IN FIVE

This was Gambhir’s fifth consecutive Test century. Following is the list:

* 137 — vs New Zealand (2nd innings), 2nd Test in Napier (’08-’09)
Result: Match drawn
* 167 — vs New Zealand (2nd innings), 3rd Test in Wellington (’08-’09)
Result: Match drawn
* 114 — vs Sri Lanka (2nd innings), 1st Test in Ahmedabad (’09-’10)
Result: Match drawn
* 167 — vs Sri Lanka (1st innings), 2nd Test in Kanpur (’09-’10)
Result: India won by an innings and 144 runs
* 116 — vs Bangladesh (2nd innings), 1st Test in Chittagong (’09-’10)
Match in progress.

Day IV Highlights

Gautam Gambhir (116) became the fourth batsman to score hundreds in five or more consecutive Tests.

Following are the batsmen who scored hundreds in consecutive Tests:

6 — Don Bradman (Aus), 1937 to 1938

5 — Jacques Kallis (SA), 2003 to 2004

5 — Mohammed Yousuf (Pak), 2006

5 — Gautam Gambhir (Ind), 2009 to 2010

This was also Gambhir’s 10th consecutive 50.

Following is the list of batsmen who have scored nine or more consecutive 50s in Tests:

11 — Viv Richards (WI), 1976 to 1977

10 — John Edrich (Eng), 1969 to 1971

10 — Gautam Gambhir (Ind), 2008 to 2010

9 — Everton Weekes (WI), 1948 to 1950

9 — Alec Stewart (Eng), 1996 to 1997

9 — Matthew Hayden (Aus), 2001 to 2002

9 — Jacques Kallis (SA), 2007

Amit Mishra became the fourth Indian batsman to score 50 or more as a nightwatchman.

Following is the list of Indians who have scored 50 or more in Tests as a nightwatchman:

101* — Syed Kirmani (as No. 5), vs Aus, (Mumbai, WS, 1979-80)

61 — Bapu Nadkarni (as No. 7), vs WI, (Kingston, 1961-62)

58 — Syed Kirmani (as No. 5), vs Eng (Manchester, 1982)

57 — Syed Kirmani (as No. 3), vs Aus (Chennai, 1979-80)

54 — Chetan Sharma (as No. 3), vs Aus (Adelaide, 1985-86)

50 — Amit Mishra (as No. 3), vs Ban (Chittagong 2009-10)

COMPILED BY MOHANDAS MENON

 

[Pintu]

AFP: Mishra, Sharma shape India victory

Mishra, Sharma shape India victory

By Shafiq Alam (AFP) – 7 hours ago

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh — Amit Mishra and Ishant Sharma shared seven wickets in India's crushing 113-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test on Thursday.

Leg-spinner Mishra finished with 4-92 and paceman Sharma took 3-48 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 301 in their second innings before tea on the final day while chasing an improbable target of 415 runs.

The only consolation for Bangladesh was an entertaining 101 by wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim, who smashed one six and 17 fours in his maiden Test century.

Rahim completed his hundred off 112 balls, the fastest by a Bangladeshi in Tests, before becoming the last man to be dismissed when he holed out in the deep off Mishra.

Rahim, 21, gave spectators plenty to cheer about with his exciting strokeplay, once hammering Sharma for 14 runs in an over and then hitting paceman Shanthakumaran Sreesanth for a six and a boundary off successive balls.

He was involved in a rollicking 60-run stand for the eighth wicket with Shahadat Hossain (24), which ended when Shahadat failed to read Mishra's googly and was bowled.

But Rahim's knock came too late for Bangladesh as India were virtually assured of victory after reducing the hosts to 170-7 in the afternoon session.

India captain Virender Sehwag, standing in for the injured Mahendra Singh Dhoni, said he was delighted by the win.

"Our bowlers did a fantastic job, Zaheer (Khan) and Ishant especially, after we were bowled out for 243," Sehwag said at the post-match ceremony.

"It was a good pitch, it had nice carry, turn and bounce. We must continue to play good cricket, and if we do that, we can easily win the next match."

The second and final Test starts in Dhaka on Sunday.

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan rued the collapse in the first innings, but praised his team's bowlers.

"We did not bat well in the first innings and that led to our downfall," said Shakib. "We played too many rash shots outside the off stump, we need to work on it.

"We should have taken a lead of 100 runs, hopefully next time we will bat better, the way Mushfiqur did today. He was brilliant. There are a lot of lessons to be learnt."

Bangladesh's chances of saving the match receded sharply when they lost three wickets in the morning after adding only 69 to their overnight total of 67-2, with Sharma taking two and part-time off-spinner Virender Sehwag one.

India strengthened their position when Mishra had key batsman Shakib (17) caught by Sehwag at silly point a few overs after lunch.

India began on an impressive note, with Sharma removing Mohammad Ashraful and Raqibul Hasan in a lively opening spell and Sehwag dismissing well-set Tamim Iqbal (52) to put the hosts under pressure.

Iqbal, caught by Rahul Dravid in the slips just before lunch, executed some handsome shots during his 122-ball knock. He reached his third Test half-century when he reverse-swept Mishra for his sixth four.

Sharma struck in the day's fourth over when he had Ashraful caught by Dravid at second slip after the batsman added only 11 to his overnight score of 16.

Raqibul (13) was beaten by the movement before being trapped leg-before by Sharma, leaving his team struggling at 97-4.

Veteran Sachin Tendulkar was named man of the match for his century in the first innings, the 44th Test hundred of his record-breaking career.

 

[Pintu]

Scorecard update (cricinfo link):

Ban 301 (75.2 ov, Rubel Hossain 4*, A Mishra 4/92) - Match over | Live Scorecard | Cricinfo.com

Regards

 

[Pintu]

Statistical highlights of India-Bangladesh first Test - Top Stories - India in Bangladesh, 2010 - Series & Tournaments - Cricket - Sports - The Times of India

Statistical highlights of India-Bangladesh first Test
PTI, 21 January 2010, 07:09pm IST

CHITTAGONG: Following are the statistical highlights of the fifth and final day of the first Test match between India and Bangladesh on Thursday.

# Virender Sehwag's tally of four catches in the Chittagong Test is his best performance against Bangladesh.

# The 60-run stand between Shahadat Hossain and Mushfiqur is the highest for the eighth wicket at Chittagong's Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, obliterating the 56 between Abdur Razzak and Shahadat Hossain against South Africa in February 2008.

# Mushfiqur and Rubel Hossain were involved in a 43-run stand for the tenth wicket, which is Bangladesh's highest against India.

# Sachin Tendulkar has got his first Man of the Match award against Bangladesh - his 13th in Tests - the most for India.

# Mushfiqur Rahim (101 off 114 balls) has registered his maiden Test century, obliterating the 80 against Sri Lanka at Colombo PSS in July 2007.

# Rahim is the first wicketkeeper for Bangladesh to record a hundred against India.

# Thanks to his century, Rahim is averaging 72.50 against India and 26.58 overall in 17 Tests.

# Rahim is averaging 30.71 in Bangladesh - 430 in eight Tests, including one century and two fifties.

# Rahim's average under Shakib Al Hasan's captaincy is 51.25.

# Rahim enjoys an excellent record in the fourth innings of Tests - 217 (ave 54.25) in four innings, including one hundred and one fifty. His strike rate of 62.17 is also excellent.

# Rahim is now the only one to make a hundred for Bangladesh while batting at number seventh position, surpassing the previous best of 96 by Shakib Al Hasan against Sri Lanka at Dhaka in December 2008.

# Khaled Mashud was the first wicketkeeper to record a Test century - an unbeaten 103 against West Indies at Gros Islet in May 2004.

# Mushfiqur Rahim has set a record for the quickest hundred for Bangladesh, taking 112 balls, bettering Habibul Bashar's feat of reaching the hundred off 116 balls against West Indies at Gros Islet in 2004.

# Amit Mishra's brilliant bowling figures of four for 92 are his best on foreign soil.

# Mishra (7 for 158) has claimed seven wickets in a Test match for the second time, the first occasion being the 7 for 106 against Australia at Mohali in 2008-09.

# Sreesanth has earned a dubious distinction by becoming the first Indian bowler to bowl 10 no-balls (7 + 3) in a Test match against Bangladesh.

# Bangladesh (301) have registered their highest total in the second innings of a Test match against India.

# The 113-run victory over Bangladesh is India's narrowest.

# Virender Sehwag has won two Tests out of three played as captain - his first being a 259-run win over Sri Lanka at Ahmedabad in 2005-06.

# Bangladesh have lost 25 Tests out of 30 played in Bangladesh - winning per cent 3.33. Only Zimbabwe have lost to Bangladesh in Bangladesh by 226 runs at Chittagong in January 2005. The remaining four Tests have ended in drawn games.

# Ishant Sharma (3/48) has produced his best figures against Bangladesh.

# Rahul Dravid has extended his fielding record - the first to take 10 catches in India-Bangladesh Tests.

# Tamim Iqbal (52) has recorded his first fifty against against India - his third in Tests.

# Tamim' has registered his best performance in a Test match in Bangladesh - 83 (31 + 52).

# Virender Sehwag, with Tamim's wicket has taken his first wicket as captain.

# Mahmudullah has posted his best performance in a Test match - 89 (69 + 20).

 

[Pintu]

Though India won but bad news keep coming.

The Press Association: Laxman out of second Test

Laxman out of second Test

(UKPA) – 2 hours ago

VVS Laxman has been ruled out of India's second Test against Bangladesh beginning in Dhaka later this week due to injury.

Laxman damaged his hand when he dropped a chance to dismiss Tigers batsman Shahriar Nafees while fielding at slip on Wednesday.

India team manager Arshad Ayub said: "Laxman will return home and no replacement has been called up."

Paceman Shanthakumaran Sreesanth is a doubt after suffering a hamstring injury, but spinner Harbhajan Singh and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni are set to return after respective neck and back problems.

 

[Pintu]

The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Sports | Not taking Bangladesh lightly, says Dhoni

Not taking Bangladesh lightly, says Dhoni

A CORRESPONDENT

Dhaka: Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has, on the eve of the second Test in nearby Mirpur, refused to take Bangladesh lightly. Dhoni’s observation was in sharp contrast to Virender Sehwag’s, who was the stand-in captain for the first Test.

Asked at a news conference whether the hosts were capable of taking 20 wickets, Dhoni said: “They are expected to take 20 wickets… You should not take any side lightly.”

The following are excerpts

The wicket in Mirpur

It could be a different wicket tomorrow before the game starts. Right now there is a lot of moisture. You can see it’s quite hot and humid, and so you have to wait and see what it looks like before the start. In the one-dayers, there was a bit of help for spinners and if they can bowl in the right areas they can really push the batsmen to make a mistake. I think it would be a good track for the spinners.

If he was surprised by Bangladesh’s performance in Chittagong

After the fourth day there was only one way the match could have gone. Frankly speaking, there was only one result possible. I am not exaggerating… anyone who follows cricket will know what result was possible. But Bangladesh have done well. They bowled a good line, the fast bowlers have put in a good effort. But as an international side you are supposed to do well. I think they have done reasonably well in the last Test.

Whether Bangladesh are capable of taking 20 wickets

Well that’s why they are playing Test matches… They are expected to take 20 wickets and you should not take any side lightly because it’s about 10 balls that you have to bowl in the right areas. It doesn’t matter who the bowler is. If he is bowling in the good areas and the batsman commits a mistake anything can happen. The red ball helps the bowlers. So there is no reason why a side can’t take 20 wickets... It’s about creating pressure.

The Virender Sehwag-Gautam Gambhir opening partnership and its importance

The opening partnership is very important. Its significance increases when we are playing in the subcontinent. Gautam and Sehwag complement each other. They rotate the strike well and in Test matches singles are very important. If a bowler is bowling a good line then the left and right combination can make it slightly difficult for him.

On how the pair complement each other and where he places them in world cricket

When Sehwag gets going, the pressure is off Gautam and he can play his natural game. Both are really great. They can be compared to the greatest… People may argue about that, but at the end of the day, they are doing really well for India. They have completely different styles of play. Gautam waits for the ball to come to his zone while Sehwag, right from the start, tries to put pressure on the bowlers.

Gambhir’s chance to equal Don Bradman’s record (hundreds in six consecutive Tests)

Gautam is a very good batsman. He is doing very well for us… match after match he is coming up with good scores. We are just hoping he comes up with a good score in the next two innings and gets a ton. That would be a proud moment for not only him, but every member in the side.

The Indian bowling in the first Test

I think they, too, bowled reasonably well. The wicket was best to bowl on the first day for the fast bowlers and there was a bit of turn throughout the match. The wicket got slower and slower as the game progressed. It was very important to bowl with the right pace. Zaheer Khan was at his best, he bowled long spells. Ishant (Sharma) looked to get back into form. Unfortunately, Sreesanth got injured. Amit Mishra also bowled well. Overall, it was a good bowling performance.

Pressure from the youngsters

That’s the best part of a good side. When there is pressure on individuals due to the bench strength, it brings out the best in a player. It’s really good that players are pushing each other to get a slot in the middle-order in the longer format. So it’s good. More the competition the better it is for both the bowling and batting departments.

 

[Pintu]

The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Sports | We can compete with India: Tamim

We can compete with India: Tamim

Sachin Tendulkar in Dhaka on
Saturday

Dhaka: Bangladesh are capable of not only giving India a good fight in the second Test but also capable of beating them and squaring the series, Tamim Iqbal said in Mirpur Saturday.

“We are not a team just to come and play. We can compete with them (India). If we don’t commit the mistakes of the first Test, we can get a positive result either a draw or a win,” he said at the match-eve press conference.

Asked about the alleged sledging by the Indian players in the first game, Tamim said: “Sledging is part and parcel of the game. We have very good relations with the Indian players, off the field.”

The southpaw said he was determined to do well in Test cricket, which he says was the ultimate format of the game.

“I enjoy scoring runs in one-dayers, but Test cricket is different. In Test cricket, I want to bat as long as possible and the concentration is important. If you bat long you will score.

“In Chittagong, I was concentrating each of the 121 balls I faced but I did not concentrate on the 122nd ball and I was out,” said Tamim who scored 31 and 52 in the two innings in the first Test.

“I am pretty new in Test cricket and it will take some time for me to do well consistently. But I want to become a good Test player as it is the ultimate form of cricket.”

He said Bangladesh have improved as a side but it will take some more time to come up with consistent performance.

“We are improving in fielding, batting and bowling. The bowlers did better in Test than at the tri-series (earlier this month). In batting we had not done badly in the first Test,” he said.
(PTI)