The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Dunedin

Debut openers Tamim Iqbal and Zunaed Siddique led a Bangladesh resurgence on the second day of the first cricket test Saturday, building a record partnership to cut into New Zealand's 220-run first innings lead.

After being dismissed for 137 in its first innings, Bangladesh reached 148 without loss in its second by stumps with Iqbal - who made a half century Friday - 73 not out and Siddique 68 not out.

Iqbal's score was the largest by a Bangladesh batsmen against New Zealand, eclipsing Mohammad Ashraful's 69.

The openers, who are among three new caps in the Bangladesh team for the nation's 50th test, now own the record for the largest partnership by a Bangladeshi opening pair against all opponents, beating the previous record of 132.

They are closing on the Bangladesh record for all wickets, standing at 186, after cutting New Zealand's overall lead to only 72 runs at stumps.

Earlier, Matthew Bell made 107 and Jacob Oram 117 to lead New Zealand to 357 in its first innings which seemed to give the home side an imposing hold on the match.

The Bangladesh openers set about loosening that hold, taking advantage of perfect batting conditions to give their team hope of saving the match.

A total of 347 runs were scored Saturday for the loss of only six wickets as batsmen seized the initiative bowlers who had taken 14 wickets at a cost of 293 runs on the test's first day.

Siddique reached his first test half century from 69 balls with 10 fours while Tamim added his second 50 from 52 balls with seven fours and a six.

The day had previously belonged to Bell and Oram who had given depth and substance to a mediocre New Zealand innings.

Bell posted his second test century, seven years after his first, to mark his comeback to the New Zealand team after a six-year absence. His 100 - the first century by a New Zealand opener in 22 tests - came off 175 balls in 253 minutes and included 17 boundaries.

His maiden test century was made against Pakistan in the 2001 season.

The compact opening batsman played 13 tests for New Zealand over a three-year period between 1998 and 2001, scoring a century and two half centuries, before losing his place in the Kiwi lineup for six years.

He was recalled for this match after an outstanding domestic first-class season in which he scored 722 runs at an average of more than 100 with a highest score of 260.

Bell dallied for almost an hour in the 90s and came almost to a stop at 97 before easing a two, then a single to reach his century 30 minutes before lunch. He moved on to 107 before being trapped lbw by the leg spin of Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful, who claimed both wickets to fall in the morning session.

Oram reached his fifth century in 24 tests from 144 balls and his innings included 17 fours and a six. Apart from Bell and Oram, however, few batsmen established themselves against a moderate Bangladesh attack and the New Zealand lead was considerably smaller than they hoped.

New Zealand has beaten Bangladesh by an innings in all four of their previous test meetings.

In 49 tests, Bangladesh has lost 43 times, drawn five matches and won only once.

UNB, Dhaka

Mohammad Shahjada and Nayeem Islam struck centuries as title contender Rajshahi Division declared their 1st innings at 365 for 9 in 128.4 overs against Dhaka Division of Ispahani Mirzapore Tea National Cricket League four-day match Saturday.

Resuming on the second day with overnight 264 for 7 at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS), number eight Nayeem and tail ender Shahjada converted their fifties into their maiden centuries of the ongoing NCL to grab four batting bonus points for their side.

Nayeem could add 22 to contribute 104 off 236 balls that featured 14 fours while another overnight Shahjada with 109 off 237 balls featuring nine fours and a six.

After losing six wickets for 79 runs, Both Nayeem and Shahjada added a valuable 172-run in the 8th wicket stand to raise their first innings score.

Saqlain Sajib and Alamgir Kabir remained unbeaten on 15 and 0 runs respectively.

Dhaka Division pacer Mohammad Sharif finished his spell capturing five wickets for 70 runs in 21.4 overs while another pacer Mahbubul Alam Robin took two wickets also for 70 runs.

In reply Dhaka Division scored 132 for 4 in 49 overs in the first innings when the bails were drawn, trailing behind 233 runs.

Mehrab Hossain Opi 33, Arafat Sunny 10, Anwar Hossain and Javed Omar scored 3 each.

Left-hand batsman Mehrab Hossainb Jr. was batting on 40 off 89 balls hitting two fours while middle order Mahmudullah Riyadh was on 31.

Farhad Hossain bagged two wickets for 34 runs while Saqlain Sajib took the other wicket.

In another match at Narayanganj Osmani Stadium (NOS), Chittagong Division scored 288 for 7 in 82 overs in their first innings at stumps on day two after bowling out Sylhet Division for 354 in 94.3 overs.

Chittagong Division wicket keeper Dhiman Ghose remained at the crease making 72 while Kazi Kamrul Islam was batting on 1.

Besides, skipper Ehsanul Haque Shezan also came up with a brisk 54 followed by Faisal Hossain Dicken's 32 and Nazimuddin's 31.

Rezaul Haque Nayeem and skipper Alok Kapali grabbed two wickets each for 40 and 67 runs respectively.

Earlier in the morning, Sylhet Division resumed their first innings with overnight 348 for 8 with overnight batsmen Ahmed Sadiqur Rahman 28 and Nabil Samad at the crease 0.

Sadiqur remained till the end scoring 29 while Nabil returned to the pavilion with a duck.

Mohammad Yunus scalped four wickets for 81 runs while Kazi Kamrul Islam took two wickets for 53 runs.

In the other match at the Bir Shreshtha Shaheed Matiur Rahman Stadium (BSSMRS), league leaders Khulna Division took an overall 49-run lead against Barisal Division on the 2nd day.

They scored 73 for 2 in 22 overs in their 2nd innings at stumps on day two after dismissing Barisal Division's 1st innings for 217 in 82.3 overs.

After the dismissal of opener Nazmus Sadat 32 and Imrul Kayes 0, Mostafizur Rahman and Shahagir Hossain Pavel were at the crease with 31 and 8 runs respectively.

Abul Bashar and Talha Jubair shared the wickets for Barisal Division.

Earlier in the morning, Barisal Division could take only 24-run lead in their 1st innings after resuming with overnight 62 for 3 in 17 overs.

Overnight opener Nasiruddin Faruque contributed 44 while his partner Tariqul made 11.

Arafat Salahuddin 28, Monir 27 and Shaheen not out 23 made some contributions to bring one batting bonus point for Barisal Division.

Jamal Babu, Murad Khan and Aslam captured three wickets for Khulna Division.

Khulna vs Barisal: Khulna 193 & 73/2 in 22 overs; Nazmus 32, Imrul 0, Mostafizur 31*, Sahagir 8*; Abul Bashar 1/3, Talha 1/35

Barisal 217/10 in 82.3 overs; Hannan 6, Imran 7, Roquibul 9, Nasiruddin 44, Tarikul 11, Abul Bashar 12, Raisul 28, Arafat 28, Shaheen 23*, Monir 27, Talha 13; Jamal Babu 3/35, Murad 3/50, Aslam 3/66, Robiul 1/27

Rajshahi vs Dhaka: Rajshahi 365/9 (dec) in 128.4 overs; Jahirul 23, Shakil 4, Farhad 1, Rafiqul 9, Khaled Mashud 52, Anisur 20, Mushfiqur 0, Naeem 104, Shahzada 109, Saqlain 15*; Sharif 5/70, Mahbubul 2/70, Mosharraf 1/79, Rafique 1/95

Dhaka 132/4 in 49 overs; Anwar 3, Mehrab sr 33, Arafat 10, Javed 3, Mehrab jr 40*, Mahmudullah 31*; Farhad 2/34, Saqlain 1/41

Sylhet vs Chittagong: Sylhet 354/10 in 94.3 overs; Golam Rahman 36, Imtiaz 130, Saif 9, Alok 30, Golam Mabud 37, Sharifullah 10, Ezaz 37, Rezaul 6, Sadiqur 29*, Nabil 0, Rashedur 1; Younus 4/81, Kamrul 2/53, Yasin 1/44, Ehsanul 1/49, Tareq 1/86

Chittagong 288/7 in 82 overs; Gazi Salauddin 21, Masumuddowla 12, Rezaul 12, Nazimuddin 31, Ehsanul 54, Faisal 32, Yasin 23, Dhiman 72*, Kamrul 1*; Rezaul 2/40, Alok 2/67, Imtiaz 1/9, Rashedur 1/40, Saif 1/45