CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh, 7 January 2005 — Captain Habibul Bashar fell six runs short of his fourth Test century shortly before stumps as Bangladesh reached 280 for four on the opening day of the first Test against Zimbabwe yesterday. Rajin Saleh was 60 not out and opener Nafis Iqbal made 56, the hosts moving into a comfortable position in their quest for their first Test victory in their 35th match.
Zimbabwe are playing their first Test since they were suspended by the International Cricket Council last June for fielding a weakened team after a dispute between their board and several leading white players.
Bashar, who won the toss and elected to bat, scored at an impressive rate against the Zimbabwe attack, making his 94 off 128 balls before he was caught by Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu to give debutant Christopher Mpofu his first Test wicket.
Saleh, who was dropped by Graeme Cremer on 41, equaled his Test best score of 60 while combining in a 119-run fourth-wicket partnership with Bashar. Aftab Ahmed was six not out at the close.
Earlier, Iqbal combined with Javed Omar in a 91-run opening partnership before Omar was caught behind by Taibu off Elton Chigumbura for 33. Iqbal followed two runs later when he was caught by Vusi Sibanda off pace bowler Mluleki Nkala. Nkala, who was the pick of the Zimbabwe bowlers with two for 22 from 18 overs, grabbed his second wicket when Mohammad Ashraful (19) was caught by Hamilton Masakadza with the score on 153. Bashar and Saleh then combined before the Bangladesh captain was dismissed with three overs remaining in the day’s play. “It is disappointing, I missed the century. I wanted a century and also to stay on the crease for the whole day,” Bashar said.
“Today we made a very impressive opening. They (openers) played very well. Ashraful, Rajin and myself contributed later on. We have to keep it up. Let’s see how wicket behaves tomorrow.”
Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore was very pleased at the performance of his team on the opening day. “It was our best batting day I can recall in my short time. My feeling is very pleased, I am very happy,” Whatmore told reporters. “It was different Rajin Saleh today. I think that was a continuation of the confidence that he got from the one-day match against India at Dhaka,” coach Dav Whatmore added.
