A post-lunch collapse saw Bangladesh lose five wickets in a disastrous second session on the opening day of the first Test against Zimbabwe at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, as the hosts stumbled to 154 for 7 by the tea interval.
Left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza was the chief destroyer, claiming three key wickets to turn the match firmly in Zimbabwe’s favour. Paceman Blessing Muzarabani chipped in with two scalps of his own as Bangladesh’s batting order unravelled rapidly after a promising start.
Resuming after lunch on 84 for 2, with Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque well set on 30 and 22 respectively, Bangladesh appeared poised to build a strong first innings total. However, both batters gifted their wickets with ill-judged strokes — Shanto the first to fall, caught at point for 40 after a loose shot against Muzarabani.
Masakadza then struck decisively, removing Mushfiqur Rahim for just four after the veteran hit a rank ball straight to short mid-wicket. He soon accounted for Mominul as well, who had fought his way to 56 before miscuing a slog sweep and was caught inside the circle.
The middle and lower order offered little resistance. Mehedi Hasan Miraz, on just one, was undone by a short ball from Muzarabani and edged behind to the keeper. Taijul Islam followed soon after, also caught behind, as Bangladesh slumped from 123 for 3 to 146 for 7 in quick time.
Jaker Ali, unbeaten on 10, is now the last recognised batter at the crease, with pacer Hasan Mahmud (4*) providing company. The pair managed to see off the final overs before the break, but face a daunting challenge in the evening session to rescue Bangladesh’s innings.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh had won the toss and elected to bat first on a dry surface offering early assistance to spinners. The decision seemed to be paying dividends until the hosts lost their way after lunch, with Zimbabwe seizing the momentum through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
With conditions expected to deteriorate as the match progresses, Bangladesh will need something special from their lower order to post a competitive first-innings total.