Khulna, Bangladesh: Opener Tamim Iqbal hit 206 to lead Bangladesh to its first ever test draw against rival Pakistan on Saturday.
Starting the final day on 273-0, Bangladesh finished its second innings on 555-6 — capping an impressive comeback from a 296-run deficit after Pakistan's massive first innings of 628 all out in the first of two tests.
Pakistan had led Bangladesh 8-0 in past test matches.
Tamim scored the highest individual test innings by a Bangladeshi batsman and helped his country to its biggest second innings total in tests. With Bangladesh leading by 259, the teams agreed a draw 25 minutes before the scheduled end.
"It was a much-needed innings for me and my team. I was in an attacking mode," Tamim said. "When I reached 160s, the double century came in my mind."
Shakib Al Hasan was undefeated on 76 after reaching his 18th test half-century and Shuvagata Hom was on 20.
Imrul Kayes, who was involved in Bangladesh's record stand for any wicket of 312 with fellow opener Tamim, made 150.
Off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez (2-82) and quick Junaid Khan (2-88) were Pakistan's most effective bowlers.
"After getting a 300-odd lead, we could have put them under pressure on any surface," Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haque said. "That opening partnership was the game-changer."
With Bangladesh all out for 332 in its first innings, Tamim and Kayes had already slashed the deficit to just 23 runs before the game headed into the fifth day. Pakistan needed an exceptional opening session Saturday to bring about any positive outcome but Kayes was the only dismissal, holing out after charging left arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar to offer a catch at long-off.
Tamim unleashed three spectacular sixes to reach 200 from 182 in the space of just seven balls. The first two sixes off leg-spinner Yasir Shah came in similar fashion, advancing down the wicket for straight sixes at long-on.
Fast bowler Junaid briefly kept him quiet, sending down three fuller length deliveries, before Tamim punished the short ball by hitting it straight down the ground for his seventh six.
Tamim also made two centuries in the ODI series which Bangladesh won 3-0. He was finally out to a stumping, after Hafeez's flighted delivery enticed him out of his crease.
"The test ended in a draw after we controlled it over the last two days," Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim said. "It's not less than a victory. I've never seen such a commanding performance against a top flight opposition (in test cricket)."
The second test starts Wednesday in Dhaka.
