Sports Reporter :
Zimbabwe scored 227 for the loss of nine wickets in the 1st innings against Bangladesh on the first day of the second Test match at the Bir Shreshtha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram on Monday. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam bowled extremely well and he finished his superb spell as 27-6-60-5.
Electing to bat first, Zimbabwe made a good start with two openers Brian Bennett and Ben Curran put on together 41 runs in the opening stand before Bennett (21) was caught behind by wicketkeeper Jaker Ali off debutante Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Taijul Islam struck as Curran (21) was bowled out by the leg spinner when the tourists’ total was 72 for the loss of two wickets.
Then, Nick Welch and Sean Williams added a worthy 90-run partnership before Nick Welch was retired hurt when Zimbabwe’s total was 162.
After Welch returned to the dressing room after getting injury, Craig Ervine arrived at the crease but his innings was short-lived as he (5) was caught behind by Jaker Ali off Nayeem Hasan when Zimbabwe’s score was 177 for the loss of three wickets.
Sean Williams notched up a marvelous 67 off 166 balls. He hit seven fours and a sixer before he was caught at fine leg by debutante Tanzim Hasan off Nayeem Hasan when the visitors’ score was 178 for the loss of four wickets.
Taijul struck again as Wessly Madhevere was caught behind by Jaker Ali off the leg spinner when Zimbabwe’s total was 200 for the loss of five wickets.
Taijul hit as Wellington Masakadza (15) was trapped leg before wicket by the leg spinner when the touring side’s score was 206 for the loss of six wickets.
Richard Ngarava (0) was bowled out by Taijul Islam when the African side’s total was 206 for the loss of seven wickets.
Taijul was on hat-trick but Vincent Masekesa managed his team from dishonor.
Later, Vincent (8) was run out by a joint-effort of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam when Zimbabwe’s score was 216 for the loss of eight wickets.
Nick Welch again arrived at the crease but he was another victim of Taijul Islam as Nick was clean bowled out Taijul Islam and Taijul fulfilled his five-wicket haul and the first day play came to an end.
Welch knocked a patient 54. His 133-ball innings was belted with three fours and two sixes.
Nayeem Hasan bagged two wickets in the space of 42 runs, while Tanzim Hasan picked up one wicket for 49 runs.
