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Published : 29 Apr 2025, 10:42 AM
A sublime century by Shadman Islam has helped Bangladesh pull ahead of Zimbabwe in the first innings though the visitors fought back with quick wickets on the second day of the series-deciding Chattogram Test.
Bangladesh were 291 for 7, leading by 64 runs, at the close with Mehidy Hasan Miraz (16) and Taijul Islam (5) keeping the innings together for a bigger lead at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Tuesday.
The Tigers were in command before tea at 194 for 1 but the Eagles bowlers struck in quick succession to pull things back and reduce the hosts’ advantage.
Debutant Zimbabwe leg-break Vincent Masekesa (3-44) proved to be incisive as he sent skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (23), Jaker Ali (5) and Nayeem Hasan (3) packing in the final session.
Shanto and Jaker walked off in a hurry, falling to beautifully flighted deliveries. Shanto popped one straight to midwicket, ending a 65-run fourth-wicket stand with Mushfiqur before Jaker sent a return catch to the bowler.
Shortly after that, Mushfiqur ran himself out to leave Bangladesh uncomfortable on 274 for 6.
Earlier, Zimbabwe took out Mominul Haque (33) and Shadman in quick succession to stage a comeback after the hosts had reached 194 for 1 in the second session.
Shadman showed remarkable composure and almost impeccable shot selection to anchor the innings, reaching his second Test century off 142 deliveries with a majestic drive through the covers. His knock was studded with 16 boundaries and a six.
He added 76 runs with Mominul for the second wicket to put Bangladesh in control after lunch. But things went downhill for the Tigers when Mominul heaved a fuller one from Wellington Masakadza (1-70) and ended up holing out at deep midwicket.
Brian Bennett (1-49) ended opener Shadman’s spectacular 181-ball knock by trapping him lbw with a tossed-up delivery which the batsman attempted to play across the line.
At the outset of the second day, Taijul Islam (6-60) wrapped up the visitors’ first innings by collecting a sixth scalp with the first delivery of the day.
Shadman and Anamul Haque (39) then got off to a strong and steady start, thanks to a 118-run opening stand between the openers.
Bangladesh went into lunch break on 105 for no loss in 26 overs. But after the resumption, Blessing Muzarabani (1-39) trapped Anamul in front to break the stand.
Zimbabwe had resumed on an overnight 227 for 9 after Taijul spun up a collapse in the final session of the day.
