HYDERABAD: So there was finally a session in the Test match where Bangladesh looked in some control. Having taken the sixth wicket at the stroke of tea, India would have fancied wrapping up proceedings soon.
But captain Mushfiqur Rahim displayed grit and determination to hold one end up. The wicketkeeper-batsman was ably supported by all-rounder Mehedi Hasan.
Mushfiqur tried to slow down proceedings by playing a lot of dot balls, while his partner took the responsibility of scoring runs. Taking tea at an individual score of 47, Rahim took another 35 balls to reach 50. There was also a time in his innings when he was stuck on 50 for 19 balls.
But the duo still strung together 87 runs that brought their team a little closer to the first target of avoiding the follow-on. They need 166 more to make Indian bat again.
After spending some time at the crease, the two started going for shots. Hasan reached his maiden fifty and looked good for more. Courtesy these two, Bangladesh did not lose wickets in the last session.
Indian bowlers, who were effective in the second session, struggled to create chances after tea, be it pacers or spinners. Although the pitch was expected to assist spinners, there was no major turn on offer.
With India still in the driver's seat and a lot of time left in the match, Bangladesh should be hoping for a repeat of the third session show on Sunday.
Brief scores: India 687/6d vs Bangladesh 322/6 (Shakib 82, Mushfiqur 81 n.o, Mehedi Hasan 51 n.o, Umesh Yadav 2/72).