Bangladesh off-spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz entered into the record book when he dismissed the West Indies batsman Shayne Moseley in the second innings on day three of the ongoing Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium Saturday.
Visitors West Indies went to bat for the second time in the game with a 113-run lead after dismissing Bangladesh for 296.
The tourists however, saw the momentum shortlived as Bangladesh spinners made a joint attack to remove three Windies batters to leave them reeling on 41 for three at stumps on day three.
Alongside Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan picking up a wicket each, Miraz also bagged one to emerge as the fastest Bangladeshi, and fourth youngest in the world, to take 100 Test wickets.
Miraz reached the milestone in 24 Tests, beating the previous record of 25, set by Taijul, followed by Shakib al Hasan at No 3 in 28.
“It is a very good feeling (to have achieved the milestone). They (the other bowlers) have achieved the feat as left-arm spinners but I have achieved it as a right-arm off-spinner, this will for sure encourage me to do better,” said Miraz to the media after day three.
Three wickets in the afternoon session gave Bangladesh hope as the West Indies scored 41 for three at stumps on day...
Posted by Sports Tribune on Saturday, 13 February 2021
Miraz’s feat with the ball came on the back of his batting heroics to save Bangladesh from a possible follow-on in the game.
Bangladesh started the day on 105 for 4 with another 105 needed to avoid the ignominy of the follow-on.
Mushfiqur Rahim, one of Bangladesh’s overnight batsmen, reached his 22nd half-century in the format and just when it looked he had settled down with Liton Das in the middle, the ridiculous happened.
Mushfiq on 54 gifted his wicket to the Windies trying a reverse sweep which ended into the hands at short cover.
Liton along with Miraz then played the roles of savior as the duo produced 126 for the seventh wicket to minimize the lead.
Miraz before falling as the ninth Bangladesh wicket in the innings scored 57, his third Test half-century.
The West Indies posted 41 runs losing three wickets in their second innings at stumps on day three, leading Bangladesh...
Posted by Sports Tribune on Saturday, 13 February 2021
“It always helps the team when you bat alongside the bowling. I started as a bowler in international cricket and could not do well with the bat. But I always believed I have the ability to bat. But I think I am coming along well with the experience. I hope I will be able to hold to this and contribute with the bat for the team often,” said Miraz.
The game at end of day three is at a balance.
The Windies are ahead by 154 with seven wickets in hand but Bangladesh can swing the entire momentum their away with some early wickets when the game resumes on day four.
According to Miraz, being able to restrict the West Indies within 150 to 200 in their second innings should put Bangladesh in a good position to chase.
“It is always tough to bat on the fifth day and in the second innings. We aim to have them all out as soon as possible. It will be tough to score on this wicket now. It was easy to score in the first innings. The ball was turning and was going low. It is always tough to bat in Mirpur on the fourth and fifth day,” said Miraz.
“I think if we can get them out within 150 to 200, it will create a good chance for us but have to keep in mind that it will be difficult to chase 300 on this wicket,” he added.