Shakib Al Hasan hit his career’s maiden double century while skipper Mushfiqur Rahim also reached three figures to put Bangladesh in control on the second day of the first Test on Friday.
After Mominul Haque failed to add a single run to his first day’s 64, Shakib and Mushfiq added a gigantic 358 runs in the fifth-wicket partnership, the highest ever in any stand for Bangladesh, surpassing the 312 runs Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes made against Pakistan in Khulna in 2015.
Shakib’s 217 is only the third time a Bangladeshi scored a double ton, after Mushfiq’s 200 against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2013 and Tamim Iqbal’s 206 against Pakistan in Khulna in 2015.
It was a day of records for the all-rounder, who not only passed the 3000-run mark in Test cricket, but also hit the highest ever score by a Bangladeshi in the longest version of the game.
Before being bowled by Neil Wagner, the left-handed batsman hit 31 fours. It was a long wait for a Test century for Mushfiq though, who last managed a ton in September 2014.
Mushfiq, who would rue missing out on the chance to hit another double century, slammed 23 fours and a six in his 159-run innings.
Trent Boult put an end to the Bangladesh captain’s heroics and Wagner then removed Shakib and Mehedi Hasan Miraz in quick succession as the hosts had some cheer just before the close of the day.
Bangladesh were on 542 for 7 when the umpires called stumps and the fans now have every right to dream of a first win of the tour.
Wagner has been the most successful bowler for the Kiwis with three wickets, while Boult and Tim Southee both have two to their names.