Shadman’s Century Establishes Bangladesh’s Lead Against Zimbabwe

A confident century by Shadman Islam in the second Test provided Bangladesh with a firm advantage, leading Zimbabwe by 64 runs with three wickets remaining at the close of the second day in Chattogram.

However, a flurry of late wickets allowed Zimbabwe to regain some ground. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (16*) and Taijul Islam (5*) are the current batsmen at the crease.

Zimbabwe’s debutant leg-spinner, Vincent Masekesa, made a noteworthy impact by claiming three wickets, while Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, and Brian Bennett each contributed with one wicket.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s opening batsmen, Anamul Haque and Shadman Islam, put together an impressive partnership after Zimbabwe’s innings concluded at their overnight score of 227, with Muzarabani, the No. 11 batsman, facing only one ball in the morning.

Shadman displayed an aggressive approach, consistently finding the boundary with several stylish drives and well-timed shots through the covers.

Anamul, making his first Test appearance in over two years, needed some time to acclimate to the pitch’s speed but added four boundaries in the morning session. The duo achieved a century partnership shortly before the lunch break.

Zimbabwe managed to break the opening partnership shortly after lunch, with Muzarabani dismissing Anamul lbw for 39 from 80 deliveries.

The pair had contributed 118 runs for the first wicket. Shadman then partnered with Mominul Haque, adding 76 runs for the second wicket.

Mominul appeared comfortable at the crease, hitting a straight six and three boundaries in his 33 off 64 balls before mistiming a shot to Ben Curran at deep midwicket.

Zimbabwe struck again immediately as Brian Bennett trapped Shadman lbw for a well-constructed 120 off 181 balls. Throughout his innings, Shadman maintained his composure, adding seven more boundaries and a six – only his second in Test cricket – during the second session.

Following tea, Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto briefly launched a counterattack, each hitting Bennett for a six. Mushfiqur followed up with two more boundaries in the same over and then attacked Masakadza with consecutive boundaries through backward point and a slog sweep.

However, the tide turned again when Shanto was dismissed attempting a pull shot, giving Masekesa his first Test wicket. The debutant continued his dominant spell by removing Jaker Ali with a remarkable caught-and-bowled.

Mushfiqur was then run out due to a misunderstanding after pushing a ball from Masekesa towards mid-on. Wessly Madhevere executed a direct hit, catching him far from the crease.

Nayeem Hasan was the next to fall, edging Masekesa to Sean Williams at second slip, as Bangladesh lost their strong position.