Sakib puts in all-round show

Sakib puts in all-round show

Bangladesh skipper Sakib al Hasan put in an impressive all-round performance that put Worcestershire in a commanding position against Division One rivals Hampshire at New Road.

Sakib followed up his half-century in the first innings with a four-wicket haul on day three to make Hampshire follow-on as they were dismissed for 239 in 65 overs replying to a mammoth 403-8 declared by Worcestershire.

Sakib claimed 4-42 and played a pivotal role in his first appearance in the four-day game this season for Worcestershire.

Hampshire were in deep trouble as they were reduced to 115-4 before opener James Adams (52) and James Evans (50) put on 95 runs in a fifth-wicket stand.

Sakib restrained Hampshire from taking any further advantage as he ripped through the lower middle-order. His first  victim in the innings was all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas, caught

by Daryl Mitchell at the slips.

Wicketkeeper Nick Pothas looked dangerous with his gutsy 60 but fell to Sakib in similar fashion as his first wicket. He then bowled James Tomlinson before befuddling South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir to be stumped by Ben Scot.

Earlier, Vikram Solanky made 173 runs while Sakib and Alexie Kervezzee hammered half-centuries to help Worcestershire post a commanding total in the first innings. Sakib made 54 off 83 balls before former English fast bowler Dominick Cork made him a catch at second slip when the all-rounder tried to play a cut shot in a bid to accelerate the run-rate. Kervezzee made 55.