DE Online Desk :
Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered a brilliant spell with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul to help Bangladesh restrict Zimbabwe to 273 in their first innings of the Sylhet Test on Monday.
However, the visitors managed to carve out a valuable 82-run lead over the hosts.This marks Mehidy’s 11th five-wicket haul in Test cricket and his first on home soil since 2022.
He was well supported by pacer Nahid Rana, who chipped in with three wickets.
Despite Mehidy’s efforts, Zimbabwe’s top order showed resilience. Opener Brian Bennett and senior batter Sean Williams both notched up half-centuries to anchor the innings and ensure a first-innings advantage for their side.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh opted to bat first after winning the toss but were bundled out for just 191 runs.
Mominul Haque was the standout performer with the bat, scoring a patient 56.
Najmul Hossain Shanto added 40, while debutant Jaker Ali was the only other batter to cross the 20-run mark.For Zimbabwe, fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani and left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza were instrumental in dismantling the Bangladesh batting lineup, each picking up three wickets.
With an 82-run deficit, Bangladesh will need a significantly improved effort from their top-order batters in the second innings to regain control of the match.
The pitch in Sylhet is already showing signs of turn, making batting increasingly challenging as the game progresses.