Zimbabwe nudged ahead of Bangladesh at the close of the second day’s play in the first Test in Sylhet, thanks to half-centuries from Brian Bennett and Sean Williams, coupled with a resolute lower-order effort that secured them a first-innings lead of 82 runs.
Despite Mehidy Hasan Miraz claiming his first five-wicket haul on home soil in nearly two-and-a-half years, Zimbabwe’s determined batting ensured they held the upper hand at stumps. The visitors were also buoyed by the late dismissal of Shadman Islam, leaving Bangladesh still 25 runs adrift and one wicket down.
Mehidy’s figures of 5 for 52 were well-earned, while pace bowler Nahid Rana chipped in with three wickets, including the vital scalps of both Zimbabwean openers. However, Zimbabwe stitched together several crucial partnerships after a 69-run opening stand, often seizing control during key passages of play.
Rana made the initial breakthrough with a short delivery aimed at Ben Curran’s chest, which the left-hander could only fend to short leg, where Mominul Haque held on to a sharp chance. Bennett, who looked fluent with ten boundaries—eight of which came through the off-side—fell next, edging behind while attempting a square cut for a well-made 57.
Hasan Mahmud then produced a classic inswinger to bowl Nick Welch through the gate for just 2. Captain Craig Ervine and Williams steadied the innings with a 41-run stand, but Rana returned to remove Ervine for 8, courtesy of another sharp bouncer that brushed the bat en route to wicketkeeper Jaker Ali.
Williams, Zimbabwe’s most experienced batter, reached his fourth Test half-century in style, sweeping Taijul Islam for six and four in consecutive balls. He added 48 with Wessly Madhevere before the latter played on to Khaled Ahmed for 24. Williams himself was dismissed for 59 after mistiming a straight drive, caught by a retreating Mahmudul Hasan Joy off Mehidy, visibly distraught after squandering a strong start.
Even with the top order back in the pavilion, Zimbabwe’s tail wagged spiritedly. Wicketkeeper Nyasha Mayavo made a brisk 35 off 54 balls before falling lbw to Mehidy shortly after tea. Wellington Masakadza survived 42 balls for his 6, but he too succumbed to Mehidy, caught at cover.
The final flourish came from the tall duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, who added 36 for the ninth wicket. Muzarabani smashed a towering six and two fours in his lively 17, while Ngarava remained unbeaten on 28, which included a clean six over long-off.
Mehidy wrapped up the innings with two quick wickets—Muzarabani stumped and Victor Nyauchi caught at cover—to complete his five-for.
In reply, Bangladesh lost Shadman early in their second innings, undone by a superb delivery from Muzarabani that flew to second slip. Mahmudul, who was given a reprieve on 6 after a dropped catch by Mayavo, finished unbeaten on 28, alongside Mominul Haque on 15, when bad light brought an end to proceedings at 5.33pm local time.
With three days to play, the Test remains delicately poised, but Zimbabwe will be the happier side after a day of discipline, grit, and key breakthroughs.