A brilliant five-wicket haul by Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the third session of the second day helped Bangladesh restrict Zimbabwe to a modest lead in the ongoing Test match. Zimbabwe, who went into the tea break at 213 for six wickets with a 22-run lead, managed to add only 60 more runs before being bowled out.
Miraz delivered a spectacular performance, taking the final four wickets of the Zimbabwe innings. He finished with figures of 5 for 52, marking the 11th five-wicket haul of his career. Zimbabwe’s hopes of a substantial lead were dashed as they folded for 273, leaving Bangladesh trailing by just 82 runs.
Zimbabwe’s resistance crumbled soon after the tea break. In his third over of the session, Miraz struck to trap Nyasha Mayavo lbw for 35 off 54 balls. Two overs later, he dismissed Wellington Masakadza, claiming his third wicket.
A brief 38-ball partnership between Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, which added 36 runs, posed a challenge for Bangladesh. However, Miraz returned to dismiss Muzarabani for 17. With the new ball in hand, he ended Zimbabwe's innings by removing the final batter, sealing his five-wicket milestone.
The day had begun with pacer Nahid Rana making an early breakthrough, dismissing Ben Curran and breaking the opening stand. He later sent back the aggressive Brian Bennett, who had scored a half-century in the previous session. Hasan Mahmud chipped in by dismissing Nick Welch.
Zimbabwe resumed their second session at 133 for four, trailing by 58 runs. A 48-run partnership between Sean Williams (59) and Wesley Madhevere (24) helped the visitors recover momentarily. However, Bangladesh managed to take two wickets in the session, keeping the visitors in check.
Aside from Miraz’s heroics, Nahid Rana was instrumental with three wickets, while Khaled Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud picked up a wicket each.
Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, will begin their second innings with an 82-run deficit, aiming to capitalize on the remaining time in the match. With the spinners performing well, the hosts look poised to seize control.
