Sylhet, April 21 — The opening Test of the two-match series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe is shaping into a gripping contest at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. As Day 2 concluded on Monday, Bangladesh found themselves trailing by just 25 runs with nine wickets in hand in their second innings. After being dismissed for 191 in their first innings, the hosts fought back with the ball but still conceded a vital first-innings lead of 82 runs.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers had earlier put their team in control with a disciplined performance, but Bangladesh have begun their comeback in the second innings, reaching 57/1 in 13 overs by stumps. Mahmudul Hasan Joy (28*) and Mominul Haque (15*) remained unbeaten at the crease, steadying the innings after opener Shadman Islam fell early for just 4 runs. The solitary wicket was claimed by Blessing Muzarabani, who continues to impress with the new ball.
Zimbabwe’s First Innings: A Gritty 273
Resuming from 67/0 after a strong start on Day 1, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 273 in 80.2 overs, thanks largely to their middle-order resilience. Captain Sean Williams led from the front with a composed 59 from 108 balls, while Brian Bennett’s counter-attacking 57 off 64 balls, laced with 10 boundaries, provided the much-needed acceleration.
Wicketkeeper Nyasha Mayavo added a valuable 35, and tailender Blessing Muzarabani chipped in with a brisk 17 off just 17 balls. Zimbabwe’s innings saw them recover from 88/3 to 273, showcasing depth and determination in their batting lineup.
For Bangladesh, off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered a stellar performance, taking 5 wickets for 52 runs in 20.2 overs. Young fast bowler Nahid Rana supported well with 3 wickets, while Khaled Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud picked up one apiece.
Bangladesh’s Struggles in First Innings
Earlier, Bangladesh were bundled out for 191 in 61 overs in their first innings, despite a valiant half-century from Mominul Haque. His 56 off 105 balls (8 fours, 1 six) kept the innings from collapsing entirely, while skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto added a useful 40.
However, apart from a 50-run stand between Mominul and Shanto, the rest of the lineup struggled against Zimbabwe’s varied attack. Zakir Ali (28) and Hasan Mahmud (19) chipped in with small but important contributions.
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack was led by the spin of Wellington Masakadza and the pace of Blessing Muzarabani, both of whom claimed three wickets each. Victor Nyauchi and Wesley Madhevere also contributed, with Madhevere’s spell being particularly impactful—snagging 2 wickets in just 3 overs and wiping out the lower order.
A Tense Test Match Brewing
With Bangladesh still 25 runs behind Zimbabwe’s first-innings lead, the match is delicately poised heading into Day 3. The hosts will hope that Joy and Mominul can build a solid partnership to set Zimbabwe a challenging target in the fourth innings.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will look to strike early and capitalize on their lead. The pitch has shown some turn and seam movement, and with both teams possessing quality bowlers, fans can expect an exciting battle over the remaining days.
As both teams eye an early lead in this two-match Test series, Day 3 promises to be a pivotal point in what has already been a compelling cricket contest.
