BAN vs ZIM: Zimbabwe take slim lead despite Mehidy’s five-wicket haul

Zimbabwe edged ahead of Bangladesh after a gritty display with the bat on the second day of the first Test in Sylhet. Valuable half-centuries from Brian Bennett and Sean Williams, along with useful contributions from the lower order, helped Zimbabwe post 273 in their first innings. At stumps, Bangladesh were 57 for 1 in their second innings, trailing by 25 runs.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the standout performer for Bangladesh with the ball, picking up 5 for 52 — his first five-wicket haul at home in over two years. Despite his efforts, Zimbabwe’s batters showed resilience, especially in the lower order, adding 80 crucial runs for the final four wickets.

The day began with Bangladesh quickly making inroads. Nahid Rana removed both Zimbabwe openers. First, Ben Curran fell for 31 after a short ball was chipped to short leg. Then, Bennett, who looked in fine touch with 57 from 64 balls including ten boundaries, was caught behind while trying to cut a delivery that stayed a bit low.

Hasan Mahmud then bowled a brilliant inswinger to dismiss Nick Welch for just 2. Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine tried to settle the innings with Sean Williams but fell to another short ball from Rana, caught behind for 8.

Williams, one of Zimbabwe’s most experienced players, held the innings together. He scored a solid 59 off 108 balls, including six fours and two sixes, and built small but vital partnerships — first with Ervine and later with Wessly Madhevere. Williams reached his half-century with style, hitting Taijul Islam for a six and a four in one over.

Madhevere was dismissed for 24, playing on to Khaled Ahmed. Williams soon followed, mistiming a lofted shot that was well taken by Mahmudul Hasan Joy at mid-off.

Despite losing their set batters, Zimbabwe kept fighting. Wicketkeeper Nyasha Mayavo made a quick 35 from 54 balls, showing positive intent before falling leg-before to Mehidy. Wellington Masakadza defended stubbornly before being caught at cover for 6, also off Mehidy.

The tail wagged once again for Zimbabwe as Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava added 36 runs for the ninth wicket. Muzarabani played a lively knock of 17 off 16 balls, hitting two boundaries and a big six, while Ngarava remained unbeaten on 28 from 44 balls, including a straight six off Mehidy.

Mehidy eventually wrapped up the innings, getting Muzarabani stumped and then dismissing Victor Nyauchi to complete his five-wicket haul.

In reply, Bangladesh lost Shadman Islam early, caught at slip off Muzarabani for 4. Mahmudul Hasan Joy survived a dropped catch and finished unbeaten on 28, alongside Mominul Haque, who was not out on 15 at the end of the day.

Bangladesh still trail by 25 runs, and with nine wickets in hand, the match remains finely poised heading into day three.