On the opening day of the second Test match between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in Chattogram, Taijul Islam caused Zimbabwe’s batting collapse. He ended the day with 5 for 60, his 16th five-wicket haul of the season. Before Taijul entered the game with three quick wickets and a run-out, the visitors were batting steadily at 200 for 4. In contrast to how well they had begun their innings, Zimbabwe ended the first day on 227 for 9.
Nick Welch scored 54 and Sean Williams scored the most with 67, however he was taken from the pitch soon after tea due to hand cramps. Taijul’s sixth wicket was Welch. Tanzim Hasan, who was making his debut, took one wicket while Nayeem Hasan took two.
Brian Bennett hit five boundaries in the first ten overs as Zimbabwe got off to a strong start.
The first one was fortunate for him, but it was followed by his signature cover drive and a delicious straight drive. However, Bennett lost his first Test wicket when he was caught behind while attempting to drive on the rise.
In the 14th over, Shadman Islam dropped a sitter to give Welch a life, denying Bangladesh their second in quick succession. Welch was on 1 at that time. Ben Curran and Welch went on a six-hitting rampage shortly after. Welch stunned Tanzim with a pull that made a lovely sound right away after Curran smashed Mehidy Hasan Miraz over midwicket. In the next over, Welch responded with a slog-swept six against Mehidy.
Shortly after, Taijul got rid of Curran as he inside-edged the ball onto his leg stump, scoring 21 off 50 balls.
However, Zimbabwe solidified by winning the second session without dropping a single wicket. After lunch, Welch, who had hit a couple of boundaries in the morning, was more cautious and only managed to score 22 runs in 77 balls. But Williams, who struck six fours while at the crease, dominated their third-wicket partnership.
With the exception of two more through points and on the leg side, Williams hit the ball sweetly through the covers for two boundaries. When he skipped down the wicket to dump Mehidy over long-on, he hit his lone six.
In the 33rd over, Williams and Welch got into a mix-up, but Bangladesh ruined the opportunity by not communicating well with one another. The point fielder first threw at the incorrect end. As Williams fought to recover, wicketkeeper Jaker Ali, to whom the throw went, then threw badly towards the non-striker’s end. Williams and Welch both having cramps at the end of the second session was Zimbabwe’s sole concern. Welch’s hands were cramping, and Williams required help with his lower body.
But Welch didn’t stay long after tea, as he left after playing one ball due to cramps. Craig Ervine, the captain of Zimbabwe, was then taken out for five by Nayeem. Next to go was Williams, who was wonderfully caught by Tanzim at backward square leg. In his patient 67 off 166 balls, he hit seven fours and a six.
Wessly Madhevere hit a pair of boundaries against Nayeem after Bangladesh gave up just 18 runs in the first 16 overs of the last session. However, Taijul dismissed Madhevere for 15 after removing him with a stunning delivery that swerved slightly.
With the second new ball, Taijul took out Richard Ngarava and Wellington Masakadza in the first over, further contributing to Zimbabwe’s decline. At the non-striker’s end, Tafadzwa Tsiga was run out after falling well short of the crease, and Welch then went back to the crease to finish his innings. However, it was short-lived as Taijul bowled him to finish his five-for.
India
