Shakib hits half-century as India tighten grip

Shakib Al Hasan scored a defiant half-century even as India inched closer towards inflicting a follow-on against Bangladesh at tea on the third day of their one-off cricket Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here on Saturday.

At tea, Bangladesh were on 246/6 with Mushfiqur Rahim (47 batting) and Mehedi Hasan Miraz (9 batting) in the middle.

The in-form Shakib scored 82 runs and looked set to reach three figures before committing a poorly executed shot to hand India's star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin his first wicket of the match.

Shakib, who hit 14 boundaries during his 103-ball stay in the middle, stepped out of his crease to hit against the turn but could only manage to find Umesh Yadav at mid-on.

The visitors now trail India's first innings total by 441 runs.

Resuming at the overnight 41/1, Bangladesh ran into trouble early on when a mix-up between Tamim Iqbal and Mominul Haque, along with an excellent piece of fielding by Yadav, saw the former being run out at the non-striker's end.

Yadav, who was in excellent form, trapped Mominul Haque leg before with an excellent delivery and Ishant sent back Mahmudullah shortly after the drinks break to reduce Bangladesh to 109/4.

After lunch, Shakib and Rahim attempted to stage a comeback before the former virtually gifted away his wicket.

Ravindra Jadeja sent back Sabbir Rahman shortlay after to pile more misery on Bangladesh.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh (First Innings): 246/6 (Shakib Al Hasan 82, Mushfiqur Rahim 47 batting) vs India (First Innings): 687/6 declared.