Bangladesh Takes Control with 112-Run Lead Against Zimbabwe

SYLHET: Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain of Bangladesh, showcased resilience with a half-century during a rain-affected third day of the first Test match against Zimbabwe at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

The hosts began their second innings at 57/1, still trailing by 25 runs, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul Haque at the crease, following a three-hour delay due to rainfall.

Bangladesh faced an early setback when Blessing Muzarabani removed Mahmudul Hasan Joy in the 20th over.

The opening batter scored 33 runs from 65 balls, which included six boundaries.

Haque was then partnered by skipper Shanto, and together they forged a crucial stand that propelled Bangladesh into the lead.

The 65-run partnership concluded in the 35th over when Victor Nyauchi dismissed Haque, who departed after scoring 47 runs off 84 deliveries, also hitting six boundaries.

The hosts encountered another setback in their batting efforts when Mushfiqur Rahim was dismissed by Muzarabani in the 42nd over, managing only four runs from 20 balls.

Najmul Hossain Shanto was then joined by wicketkeeper Jaker Ali, and they collaborated to add an unbroken 39 runs for the fifth wicket before the day’s play concluded.

At the close of the third day, Bangladesh’s score stood at 194/4, holding a lead of 112 runs, with captain Shanto and Ali remaining not out on 60 and 21, respectively.

Muzarabani was the most successful bowler for Zimbabwe, claiming three wickets for 51 runs in his 15 overs, while Nyauchi took one wicket.