Bangladesh fought back late on the second day of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in Harare after being bowled out for 140 in their first innings. Riding on a brilliant spell from Taijul Islam, the visitors dismissed Zimbabwe for 410, with the left-arm spinner claiming seven wickets. However, centuries and half-centuries from the hosts helped them establish a commanding 270-run lead.
Starting the day just four runs behind, Zimbabwe lost Brendan Taylor early, but Innocent Kaia’s superb 140 put the hosts firmly in control. Kaia and Brian Bennett added 107 runs for the third wicket before Taijul broke the partnership by taking a return catch to dismiss Bennett. The left-arm spinner also removed centurion Kaia later in the innings.
Captain Craig Ervine, who made 60, fell while attempting to sweep Taijul and was caught by Hasan Mahmud at fine leg. Brad Evans was trapped lbw for four.
Taijul completed the 19th five-wicket haul of his Test career by having Newman Nyamhuri caught by Towhid Hridoy, equalling Shakib Al Hasan’s record for the most five-wicket hauls in an innings by a Bangladeshi bowler.
The spinner did not stop there, dismissing Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani before Zimbabwe could stretch their lead beyond 300.
Overall, on a surface that offered plenty of assistance to the fast bowlers, Taijul finished with impressive figures of 7 for 138 from 40.2 overs, including one maiden.
