The first two days of the first Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe have ended. Yet, anticipation is there for the remaining three days. A Test match is played over five days to get a result. Currently, Bangladesh will have to fight their way out of the muddle they find themselves in.
Bangladesh batted first and put up a modest 191 on the board in the first innings after they were bowled out due to extraordinary efforts by the visiting side. Mominul Haque and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto stood out for the home team with the bat in hand and contributed 56 and 40, respectively.
Unfortunately, none of the other Bangladeshi batters took any responsibility with the bat. As a result, they were left stranded for just 191 runs on the board. Not scoring at least 200 in home conditions is a spectre that will haunt Bangladesh for a long time, and this innings was just one aspect of the rot that has set in.
Wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali contributed 26 with the bar lower down the order. However, he did not find too many enthusiastic partners and was left bereft of confidence towards the end. Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza picked up three wickets apiece, whereas Victor Nyauchi and Wessly Madhevere returned with two wickets, respectively.
Zimbabwe, walking out to bat, got off to a good start, with Brian Bennett and Ben Curran building a good partnership of 69 runs. Sean Williams scored a fine half-century (59), while Bennett (57) led the way with an exquisite knock at the top of the order. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz led the way with a five-wicket haul (5-52), while Nahid Rana was second-best with figures of 3-74.
With the remaining three days of play left, Bangladesh ended Day 2 on 57-1, still 25 runs away from wiping out the decent first-innings lead Zimbabwe had accumulated. One thing is certain: this match will have a result, and Bangladesh will likely be on the receiving end. They will have to bat exceptionally well on Day 3 and hope that the Zimbabwean bowlers wilt under the heat and pressure.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy (28*) and Mominul Haque (15*) are at the crease for the hosts now, and they will be expected to man the fort for as long as possible. For Bangladesh to win, they must bat for a long time and not allow the Zimbabwean spinners to dictate the proceedings as they see fit.
Match Prediction
The visiting side seldom has a better chance to defeat Bangladesh in their own den. They must be sharp on Day 3 and take all the chances. They also must ensure that they do not allow their hosts to accumulate a big lead, which they will have to chase down in the fourth innings. If the game extends into days 4 and 5, it will be crucial for both teams to focus on the process.
This match is extremely well-poised, and it can go either way. For Bangladesh, the only way out is to bat well in this innings and ground the Zimbabwean bowlers to dust with their patience and composure at the crease. For Zimbabwe, bowling in good areas will be critical to them picking up wickets and halting the Bangladeshi momentum.
