Gambhir creates history as Bangladesh fight for survival

By Rahul Bajaj
for Cricketain.com

Published: January 21, 2010

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Chittagong: Gautam Gambhir scored his fifth century in five consecutive test matches to set up the match for India as Bangladesh were left with an improbable task of playing out 90 overs, light permitting, with eight wickets in hand and another 348 runs to get to win the first test match against India.

The hosts, set a target of 415 to win, were 67/2 at stumps on Day 4. Tamim Iqbal was at the crease on 23 with Mohammad Ashraful unbeaten on 16.

Opener Imrul Kayes (1) was the first man to go for Bangladesh in the second innings when he edged one from Zaheer Khan straight to wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik. Ishant Sharma then got into the action when he scalped Shahriar Nafees (21), with Nafees being squared up by a shortish ball just outside the off-stump and edging it to Sehwag at gully.

Earlier, Gautam Gambhir became the first Indian batsman to score five centuries in five consecutive test matches. He went past Rahul Dravid’s record of four centuries in four straight tests.

Gambhir started the day by reaching his fifty, scoring at least fifty in 10 straight Tests, one short of the record held by Sir Viv Richards. He moved from one great to the other, moving from Sir Viv Richards’ record to Sir Donald Bradman’s as he moved closer to Sir Don Bradman’s – six hundreds in six Tests, scoring his fifth in five tests. In typical fashion, as with his last four tons, Gambhir brought up the century by stepping out and hitting over the infield. He was eventually dismissed for 116 off just 129 balls including 10 fours and a six.

Amit Mishra, who was sent in as nightwatchman on the third day, provided able support to Gambhir, notching up his maiden half century and adding 98 for the second wicket with Gambhir. Mishra got a little carried away after getting to his half-century and lofted a simple catch to mid-off off Mohammad Mahmudullah’s turning delivery.

Rahul Dravid was looking in great touch, but his innings was cut short when he got run out to Shakib’s direct hit while going for a tight single.

Rubel Hossain then trapped Sachin Tendulkar in front of the wickets. Yuvraj Singh never looked comfortable at the crease and his 32-ball stay at the wicket came to an end when the left-hander fell to Shahadat Hossain for 24.

After Yuvraj’s departure, VVS Laxman, like he has done on innumerable occasions, guided the Indian innings in the company of tailenders, notching up another half century for himself. He played some trademark wristy shots on his way to a fine unbeaten 69.

Match Summary:

Bangladesh 242 and 67 for 2 need another 348 runs to beat India 243 and 413 for 8 dec (Gambhir 116, Laxman 69*, Mishra 50)

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