Mushfiq keeps Tigers on track

Mushfiqur Rahim's captain knock kept Bangladesh on track when the hosts scored 255 for 4 in 91 overs against West Indies at stumps on first day of the first Test of Walton two-match Test Series at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here Friday.

Like the just concluded One Day International (ODI) series, Mushfiq also continued his superb form in the Test taking full responsibility on his soldier to take the team to a stable position with his partner Shakib after an initial batting jolt. 

Batting first after winning the toss, Bangladesh lost their early wicket of opener Imrul Kayes (10), who was caught behind by wicket keeper Carlton Baugh off pacer Ravi Rampaul delivery.

One down Sahriar Nafees (21 n.o) returned to the pavilion being retired hurt. He received injury his head when he was trying to play a pull shot off pacer Fidel Edwards's bouncer. 

Another opener Tamim Iqbal and two down Raqibul Hasan pairing with contributed 52 runs in the 3rd wicket stand.

The local boy Tamim, who completed his 9th Test half century, scored 52 runs off 141 balls with five fours. He threw his wicket to Kraigg Brathwaite playing an unnecessary pull shot off Marlon Samuels delivery.

West Indies skipper Darren Sammy struck again on Bangladesh innings removing set batsman Raqibul Hasan. The right handed Raqibul, who scored 41 runs off 92 balls with three fours, back to the pavilion being, trapped leg before wicket.

As Bangladesh were tottering at 159 for 3 in 44.3 overs, skipper Mushfiqur Rahim came forward to repair the early damage contributing 79 runs partnership with dependable all rounder Shakib Al Hasan in the 4th wicket stand.

Shakib added 40 runs off 83 balls with three fours. But he was unfortunate as he failed to finish the day with Mushfiq. The left hander all rounder was caught behind by wicket keeper Carlton Baugh off Marlon Samuels's delivery with just seven overs remaining to close the first day.

Bangladesh skipper Mushfiq, who hit his 7th Test half century today, remained unbeaten with 68 runs with all rounder Nayeem Islam (8 n.o) as the bails were drawn for the day. 

Spinner Marlon Samuels captured two wickets for 67 runs while pacer Ravi Rampaul and spinner Darren Sammy took one wicket each conceding 30 and 43 runs respectively.

Bangladesh 255 for 4 (Mushfiqur 68*, Tamim 52) v West Indies.

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