CHITTAGONG – Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam struck a brilliant century to put the hosts in a commanding position on the second day of the second Test against Zimbabwe. At stumps on Day 2, Bangladesh reached 291-7, leading Zimbabwe by 64 runs, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz (16)* and Taijul Islam (5)* unbeaten at the crease.
Shadman anchored Bangladesh’s innings with a career-best 120 runs, forming a solid 118-run opening stand with Anamul Haque, marking only the 10th instance in Test history where Bangladesh’s openers crossed the 100-run mark. This impressive partnership laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s strong reply to Zimbabwe’s first innings score of 227.
Anamul, making his return to the Test side after three years, contributed a steady 39 runs. Despite the promising start, Bangladesh’s middle order couldn’t fully capitalize on the batting-friendly surface. Mominul Haque (33) and Mushfiqur Rahim (40) got starts but failed to convert them into big scores.
Mushfiqur’s poor run continued as he was run out by Wessly Madhevere, marking his 13th consecutive innings without a half-century. Bangladesh slumped from a strong 259-3 to 279-7, losing four wickets for just 20 runs in a sudden collapse.
Zimbabwe debutant Vincent Masekesa impressed with the ball, claiming 3 wickets, including key dismissals of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Jaker Ali.
Earlier, Zimbabwe resumed their innings on Day 2 with only one wicket in hand. Taijul Islam wrapped up the tail instantly, taking Blessing Muzarabani’s wicket with the first ball of the morning. Taijul finished with impressive figures of 6-60, marking his 16th five-wicket haul in Tests. Nayeem Hasan also chipped in with 2-42.
Zimbabwe had collapsed dramatically from 177-2 to 227 all out, losing eight wickets for just 50 runs during the late stages of Day 1 and early Day 2. Sean Williams top-scored with 67, while Nick Welch added a handy 54.
Zimbabwe currently lead the two-match series 1-0 after a hard-fought three-wicket win in the first Test at Sylhet. With three days remaining in Chattogram, Bangladesh will look to build on their slender lead and push for a series-levelling win.
