Tourists keep Bangladesh in check

Mushfiqur Rahim
12 April 2012

Half-centuries from Shahriar Nafees and Mushfiqur Rahim helped Bangladesh overcome a top-order collapse to post a respectable 229 for seven in the second one-day international against Australia at Mirpur.

Having won the toss, the Tigers were struggling at 88 for five - despite Nafees' 56 off 73 balls - with Mitchell Johnson (three for 54) and Steve Smith (two for 34) doing the damage.

Rahim then took charge in the middle overs and his defiant 80-ball 81 not out, including nine fours and a six, was key to a late surge that saw the hosts amass 77 in the last 10 overs.

Johnson had left the hosts in early trouble as openers Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes were caught by Shane Watson for five each, before Raqibul Hasan was bowled for a three-ball duck by John Hastings.

Bangladesh laboured their way to 62 in 20 overs, thanks mainly to Nafees' brave effort but skipper Shakib Al Hasan could only make nine before being bowled by Smith's beautifully flighted delivery.

Nafees hit Xavier Doherty for four to bring up his 50 but his stay was ended when Smith caught him off his own bowling.

Rahim and Mahmudullah brought much-needed respite with a 79-run stand that consolidated the Bangladesh recovery well.

However, Watson hit back for the visitors by trapping Mahmudullah leg before after his patient 38 off 51 balls.

Rahim's defiant strokeplay then helped the Tigers pick up 59 runs in the batting powerplay, ensuring them a competitive total.

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