Zimbabwe – 227 all out in 90.1 overs (Sean Williams 67, Nick Welch 54, Brian Bennett 21; Taijul Islam 6/60, Nayeem Hasan 2/42, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 1/49)
Bangladesh –291-7 in 87 overs (Shadman Islam 120, Mushfiqur Rahim 40, Anamul Haque 39; Vincent Masekesa 3/44, Blessing Muzarabani 1/44, Brian Bennett 1/49)
Day 2 – Stumps: Bangladesh lead by 64 runs
Debutant legspinner Vincent Masekesa helped Zimbabwe claw their way back into contention on day two of the second Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram on Tuesday, after Shadman Islam’s century had earlier given the hosts the upper hand.
Beginning the day at 227 for nine wickets, the tourists lost their final wicket immediately as Blessing Muzarabani (2) edged a sharply turning delivery from Taijul Islam to the keeper, leaving Tafadzwa Tsiga stranded on 18 not out.
Taijul finished with superb figures of six for 60, completing a clinical effort with the ball.
Bangladesh made a confident start in reply, with openers Shadman Islam and Anamul Haque compiling a 118-run stand.
Shadman played fluently throughout, bringing up a stylish century before going on to score 120 off 181 deliveries, including 16 fours and a six.
Anamul contributed a steady 39 before being trapped lbw by Muzarabani.
At 194 for one, Bangladesh looked firmly in control, but Zimbabwe responded with a disciplined bowling and fielding display.
Wellington Masakadza provided the breakthrough, removing Mominul Haque for 33, caught by Ben Curran at deep midwicket.
One over later, Brian Bennett dismissed the well-set Shadman lbw, a key moment that halted Bangladesh’s momentum.
From there, Masekesa took centre stage.
The 28-year-old bowled with notable control and composure, striking three times to keep Zimbabwe in the contest.
He dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto for 23, took a sharp return catch to remove Jaker Ali for five and had Nayeem Hasan caught at slip for three.
Wessly Madhevere added a fielding highlight with a direct-hit run-out to dismiss Mushfiqur Rahim, who had looked threatening with a quickfire 40.
By the close, Bangladesh were 291 for seven – a lead of 64 runs with three wickets in hand.
With the match finely poised, day three promises to be an absorbing one in Chattogram.
