Zimbabwe tightened their grip in the first Test of the two-match series against hosts Bangladesh at Sylhet, establishing a crucial 82-run first innings lead after being bowled out for 273 on Day 2. Having dismissed the hosts for 191 on the opening day, the visiting team built on their overnight position with valuable contributions from their top order and surprising resilience from the tail, despite a stellar bowling performance from Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Batters power Zimbabwe to first innings lead over Bangladesh
Resuming at a promising 67 for no loss, Zimbabwe’s openers continued to frustrate the Bangladeshi attack in the early part of the day. Opening batter Brian Bennett, who started the day on 40 not out, went on to register his maiden Test fifty, eventually falling for a well-compiled 57 off 64 deliveries, an innings punctuated by 10 boundaries. He provided a solid foundation for the innings alongside his partner.
The momentum was carried forward by Sean Williams, who proved to be another key figure in Zimbabwe’s innings. Williams displayed confident batting, reaching his fourth Test fifty before being dismissed for 59. His innings, spanning 108 balls, included six fours and two sixes, showcasing his aggressive intent. This knock further boosted his impressive Test record, taking him to 1,422 runs from 18 matches at a healthy average of 45.87.
However, Bangladesh’s bowling attack, spearheaded by the impressive off-spinner Mehidy Hasan, fought back strongly throughout the day. Mehidy was particularly effective in dismantling the Zimbabwean middle order, claiming crucial wickets, including those of Williams and Nyasha Mayavo. He consistently troubled the batsmen, employing guile and control to make inroads.
While Mehidy chipped away, the Zimbabwean lower order refused to capitulate easily. Wessly Madhevere (24), Nyasha Mayavo (35), and particularly Richard Ngarava (35) played vital cameos, adding significant runs that proved pivotal in extending Zimbabwe’s lead. The frustration was evident for the home side as the last two Zimbabwean wickets incredibly added 50 runs, pushing the lead well past the 75-run mark and significantly boosting the visitors’ advantage.
Mehidy Hasan was the undisputed star with the ball for Bangladesh, finishing with outstanding figures of 5/52 from 20.2 overs. This marked his 11th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, a testament to his skill and effectiveness. He was well supported by pace bowler Nahid Rana, who also impressed with figures of 3/74 from his 18 overs, providing crucial breakthroughs at different stages of the innings. Despite their efforts, Zimbabwe managed to compile a total that gave them a substantial first-innings buffer.
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Bangladesh makes a steady start in their second innings
The Tigers got off to a decent start in their second innings, reaching 57 for 1 by the close of play after 13 overs. However, they suffered an early setback when opener Shadman Islam was trapped in front for just 4 runs by the Zimbabwean pacer Blessing Muzarabani in the fourth over, providing the visitors with an early wicket and a boost in confidence.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul Haque then combined forces to navigate the remainder of the day without further loss. Joy finished the day unbeaten on 28, while the experienced Haque was at the crease on 15 not out. The pair successfully saw off the challenging final overs, ensuring Bangladesh ended the day with nine wickets in hand.
Despite the stabilizing partnership towards the end of the day, Bangladesh still trails Zimbabwe by 25 runs heading into Day 3.
Day 2, Stumps
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The home side faces a significant task to build a substantial lead, while Zimbabwe will be pressing hard for early wickets to capitalize on their dominant position in this opening Test match.
