Miraz Secures Player of the Match with Exceptional Performance

CHITTAGONG: Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s remarkable century, coupled with a stellar five-wicket haul, propelled Bangladesh to a commanding innings and 106-run triumph over Zimbabwe in the series-concluding second Test held at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Wednesday.

The hosts, resuming their first innings from an overnight position of 291/7, augmented their score by an additional 153 runs, despite losing their remaining three wickets.

The duo of Miraz and Islam extended their partnership for the eighth wicket to 63 runs until Islam was caught out by Vincent Masekesa, having contributed a vital 20 runs from 45 deliveries, which included three boundaries.

Subsequently, Miraz forged an impressive 96-run partnership with Tanzim Hasan Sakib, the number 10 batter, enabling Bangladesh to surpass the 400-run threshold.

This pivotal partnership concluded when Sakib was dismissed by Wessly Madhevere in the 123rd over. Sakib made a significant contribution to Bangladesh’s total, scoring 41 runs from 80 balls, comprising two fours and a six.

Miraz was then stumped off Masekesa after adding 39 more deliveries, concluding his innings as Bangladesh’s top scorer with 104 runs from 162 balls, featuring twelve boundaries, including a six.

Masekesa emerged as the most successful bowler for Zimbabwe, claiming five wickets for 115 runs in 31.2 overs, while Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Madhevere, and Brian Bennett each secured one wicket.

Facing a deficit of 217 runs, Zimbabwe’s batting lineup crumbled under Miraz’s impressive bowling, collapsing to a mere 111 runs in 46.2 overs, despite a valiant effort from Ben Curran.

The opening batter fought a solitary battle for the visiting team, scoring 46 runs off 103 deliveries before being dismissed by Miraz.

Curran also shared a crucial 47-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Craig Ervine, who managed 25 runs from 56 deliveries.

Miraz finished with five wickets for 32 runs in 21 overs, while Islam claimed three wickets.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance.

This significant victory allowed Bangladesh to draw the two-match series 1-1, following the visitors’ three-wicket win in the opening match in Sylhet.