Hasan heroics revive Bangladesh

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Abul Hasan registered a sensational century to dig Bangladesh out of a hole on day one of the second Test with West Indies in Khulna.

In striking 100 not out from 108 deliveries, the 20-year-old seamer became only the second player to compile a debut Test ton from number 10 - and the first in 110 years.

His scarcely believable alliance of 172 with Mahmudullah, which remained unbroken at stumps, lifted Bangladesh to 365 for eight after they had chosen to bat first on an easy-paced pitch.

Fidel Edwards’ five-wicket haul looked to have put the Windies firmly on course for a second straight win following their 77-run win in Dhaka last week, but Hasan and Mahmudullah had other ideas, with the latter contributing an unbeaten 72.

While the efforts of Bangladesh’s number eight were impressive, Hasan’s innings represented something truly extraordinary.

A 20-year-old with just six first-class appearances to his name prior to this encounter, he exhibited solid defence and an admirable array of strokes in putting the tourists to the sword.

Abul Hasan, left, is embraced by Bangladesh team-mate Mahmudullah after completing the most remarkable century from number 10 on Test debut

After a nervy start that saw him play and miss against Edwards on several occasions, Hasan collected 13 fours and three sixes either side of offering up a solitary chance; he was put down at forward short-leg off Veerasammy Permaul.

Darren Sammy was clubbed over long-off for six to herald the new man’s fifty and further celebrations were to follow in the final over of the day when Hasan picked up two off Sunil Narine to reach three figures.

Mahmudullah’s own 89-ball innings contained a host of attractive shots. He and Hasan now have the opportunity to surpass Test cricket’s record ninth-wicket stand - a partnership of 195 between South Africa’s Mark Boucher and Pat Symcox against Pakistan in 1998.

Skiddy paceman Edwards was the day’s other star performer and began the morning by having Nazimuddin caught at short-leg in his second over.

Shahriar Nafees and Tamim Iqbal were subsequently caught behind and bowled by Sammy, for 26 and 32 respectively.

Naeem Islam and Shakib Al Hasan then fell in successive overs to Edwards, who later returned to dismiss Mushfiqur Rahim and Sohag Gazi in successive deliveries, leaving Bangladesh 193 for eight.

At that point, the Windies were in control, but there was to be a stunning twist in the tale.