Chattogram: Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam showcased his exceptional bowling skills to put Bangladesh in a commanding position against Zimbabwe on the first day of the second cricket Test at Bir Shrestha Matiur Rahman Stadium. Despite Zimbabwe’s promising start on a spin-friendly track, Taijul’s five-wicket haul changed the course of the match, leaving Zimbabwe reeling at 227-9 by stumps.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Zimbabwe appeared to be in control for the majority of the day, with Sean Williams and Nick Welch leading the charge. The pair batted resolutely, forming a crucial 90-run partnership for the third wicket that helped Zimbabwe dominate the first two sessions. Williams top-scored with 67, while Welch contributed 54, marking his second fifty in as many Tests.
Zimbabwe’s openers, Brian Bennett and Ben Curran, initially handled Bangladesh’s pacers well, adding 41 runs before Tanzim Hasan Sakib claimed his debut wicket by dismissing Bennett for 21. However, as the spinners entered the attack, Zimbabwe’s batsmen began to struggle, with Welch being the notable exception. He aggressively took on the spinners, hitting sixes off both Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, though the Bangladesh spinners managed to induce several edges.
Taijul’s persistence paid off when he dismissed Curran for 21, who had previously been dropped by Shadman Islam at first slip. Despite this setback, Williams and Welch continued to apply pressure on Bangladesh, as the hosts sought to avoid a series whitewash after their shock defeat in the first Test.
Welch’s aggressive start was tempered as he settled into his innings, reaching his fifty off 107 balls. Williams, demonstrating patience, brought up his half-century from 114 balls. However, Welch’s cramping issues forced him to retire, sparking a collapse in the Zimbabwean batting lineup.
Offspinner Nayeem Hasan played a key role in this collapse, claiming two wickets in consecutive overs, including the crucial dismissal of Williams. Taijul capitalized on the situation, completing his five-wicket haul by dismissing Welch, who returned to bat after the fall of the eighth wicket.
At stumps, Tafadzwa Tsiga remained unbeaten on 18, with Blessing Muzurabani on 2, as they survived five challenging overs. Taijul’s figures of 5-60 marked his 16th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, firmly placing Bangladesh in control of the match.