Taijul’s Five-For Puts Bangladesh on Top as Zimbabwe Falter on Day 1
Bangladesh’s experienced spinner Taijul Islam once again proved his worth, claiming his 16th Test five-wicket haul to leave Zimbabwe struggling at 227/9 at stumps on Day 1 of the second Test in Chittagong on Monday.
After opting to bat first, Zimbabwe showed early promise, but Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Taijul and debutant Tanzim Hasan Sakib, wrested control as the day progressed.
The visitors lost both openers early, with Sakib drawing first blood in his maiden Test by removing Brian Bennett. Taijul then struck with his second ball, bowling Ben Curran, and the collapse began.
Although Zimbabwe showed resistance through fifties from Sean Williams (67) and Nick Welch (54), Taijul tightened the screws in the final session. He removed Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, and finally Welch to complete his fifer, finishing with figures of 5 for 60.
Nayeem Hasan supported well with two wickets, while Sakib and Shoriful Islam shared the rest. Despite the damage, Zimbabwe’s tail—Blessing Muzarabani and Tafadzwa Tsiga—managed to survive the final overs.
Bangladesh made three changes to their XI, bringing in Anamul Haque and Nayeem Hasan and handing Tanzim his debut. Zimbabwe, too, made two changes, debuting spinner Vincent Masekesa and wicketkeeper-batter Tsiga.
With the series on the line after losing the first Test, Bangladesh will be buoyed by this strong bowling performance as they look to level the series.
Brief Score:
Zimbabwe 227/9 in 90 overs (Sean Williams 67, Nick Welch 54; Taijul Islam 5/60, Nayeem Hasan 2/42)