Bangladesh Takes Control on Day 1 Against Zimbabwe

CHITTAGONG: Taijul Islam’s impressive five-wicket performance with his left-arm spin helped Bangladesh restrict Zimbabwe to 227/9 on the first day of the second Test at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Monday.

After choosing to bat, Zimbabwe’s innings began with openers Brian Bennett and Ben Curran each scoring 21, before being dismissed by Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Islam in quick succession.

Following these early setbacks, Nick Welch, an emerging top-order batter, and experienced all-rounder Sean Williams stabilized the innings with a solid 90-run partnership for the third wicket.

Their promising partnership was cut short when Welch had to retire hurt shortly after the tea break.

Subsequently, Nayeem Hussain struck twice, removing Zimbabwe’s captain Craig Ervine (five) and the well-set Williams within just 11 balls, reducing their score to 178/4.

Williams was Zimbabwe’s highest scorer with 67 runs off 166 balls, including seven boundaries and one six.

Middle-order batter Wessly Madhevere and wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga then added 22 runs together, bringing Zimbabwe’s total past the 200 mark.

Madhevere was then dismissed by Islam after scoring 15 runs from 32 balls, leading to a dramatic collapse as Zimbabwe lost an additional three wickets within six overs, adding only 16 runs to their score.

The collapse prompted Welch to return to the crease, but his second stint lasted only 23 balls before he was also caught out by Islam.

Welch made a significant contribution to Zimbabwe’s score, with 54 runs from 133 balls, including three fours and two sixes.

At the end of the first day, Zimbabwe stood at 227/9, with Tsiga and Blessing Muzarabani at the crease.

Taijul Islam stood out as Bangladesh’s most effective bowler, claiming five wickets for 60 runs in his 27 overs, while Nayeem took two.