Taijul Islam's five-wicket haul puts Bangladesh on top in second Test against Zimbabwe

Taijul Islam starred with the ball on day one of the second Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in Chattogram, claiming his 16th five-wicket haul in Test cricket to trigger a dramatic Zimbabwe batting collapse. The visitors, who once looked solid at 200 for 4, ended the day at 227 for 9.

Zimbabwe’s promising start was led by half-centuries from Sean Williams and Nick Welch. Williams scored a patient 67 off 166 balls with one six and seven fours, while Welch hit 54 before being forced to retire briefly due to hand cramps. He later returned but was bowled by Taijul to complete the left-arm spinner’s fifer.

The visitors had started brightly, with Brian Bennett hitting five boundaries in the first ten overs. But his stay was cut short when he edged a drive to the keeper, handing debutant Tanzim Hasan his first Test wicket. Soon after, Ben Curran and Welch launched a short counterattack, hitting several boundaries and sixes.

However, Taijul ended Curran’s innings on 21 with a ball that deflected off the inside edge onto the stumps. Zimbabwe’s third-wicket stand between Williams and Welch then steadied the innings, but the momentum shifted again after tea.

Welch walked off due to cramps, and soon after, Nayeem Hasan dismissed Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine for just five. Williams was next to go, caught brilliantly by Tanzim at backward square leg.

Wessly Madhevere briefly resisted with a couple of boundaries, but Taijul removed him with a delivery that spun just enough to beat the bat. The collapse continued as Wellington Masakadza and Richard Ngarava fell to Taijul in the first over with the second new ball.

Vincent Masekesa was then run out following a misjudged run, while Welch’s return to the crease was short-lived as Taijul bowled him to finish with figures of 5 for 60.

Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling, particularly in the final session, put them in a strong position after the opening day.