Chattogram Test: Quick wickets dent Tigers’ hopes of big lead against Zimbabwe

Bangladesh have lost the wickets of skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Jaker Ali in quick succession as Zimbabwe dented the hosts’ hopes for an imposing total after Shadman Islam’s 120 propelled the hosts to the lead on the second day of the series-deciding Chattogram Test.

The hosts reached 268 for 5, leading by 42 runs, with Mushfiqur Rahim (40) trying to rebuild with Mehidy Hasan Miraz (1) at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Tuesday.

Zimbabwe’s debutant leg-break Vincent Masekesa (2-31) struck twice to bring Zimbabwe strongly back into the game.

He snared Shanto with a beautifully flighted delivery that the batsman popped straight to midwicket for 23, ending a 65-run fourth-wicket stand with Mushfiqur. Jaker also fell to a similar delivery when the bowler held on to a return catch.

Earlier, Zimbabwe took out Mominul Haque (33) and Shadman in quick succession to stage a comeback after the hosts had reached 194 for 1 in the second session.

The left-handed batter showed remarkable composure and almost impeccable shot selection to anchor the innings, reaching his second Test century off 142 deliveries with a majestic drive through the covers. His knock was studded with 16 boundaries and a six.

He added 76 runs with Mominul for the second wicket to put Bangladesh in control after lunch. But things went downhill for the Tigers when Mominul heaved a fuller one from Wellington Masakadza (1-70) and ended up holing out at deep midwicket.

Brian Bennett (1-49) ended opener Shadman’s spectacular 181-ball knock by trapping him lbw with a tossed-up delivery which the batsman attempted to play across the line.

Earlier, Taijul Islam (6-60) wrapped up the visitors’ first innings by collecting a sixth scalp with the first delivery of the day.

Shadman and Anamul Haque (39) then got off to a strong and steady start, thanks to a 118-run opening stand between the openers.

Bangladesh went into lunch break on 105 for no loss in 26 overs. But after the resumption, Blessing Muzarabani (1-39) trapped Anamul in front to break the stand.

Zimbabwe had resumed on an overnight 227 for 9 after Taijul spun up a collapse in the final session of the day.