Shadman Islam's century puts Bangladesh ahead, but Zimbabwe fight back late on day two

ASHLEY DUBE

Bangladesh 291 for 7 (Shadman 120, Mushfiqur 40, Masekesa 3-44) lead Zimbabwe 227 (Williams 67, Welch 54, Taijul 6-60) by 64 runs

CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh—Shadman Islam’s second Test century gave Bangladesh early dominance on the second day of the Chattogram Test, but debutant legspinner Vincent Masekesa inspired a late Zimbabwe fightback to keep the contest finely poised. At stumps, Bangladesh held a 64-run lead with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam unbeaten on 16 and 5 respectively.

Early in the morning number 11 Blessing Muzarabani lasted just one ball, dismissed by Taijul Islam, who finished with 6 for 60.

In reply, Bangladesh’s openers Anamul Haque and Shadman Islam launched confidently. Shadman was especially fluent, unfurling elegant drives down the ground and piercing the covers with ease. His early momentum saw him surge past fifty before lunch, unbeaten on 66 at the break. Anamul, returning to the Test fold after more than two years, was watchful but contributed four boundaries in a 118-run opening stand.

Zimbabwe found a breakthrough soon after lunch. Muzarabani trapped Anamul lbw for 39 with a full delivery that straightened. The dismissal was a timely one, breaking a solid partnership. Mominul Haque joined Shadman to add 76 for the second wicket, but Zimbabwe kept plugging away. Mominul, after a composed 33, holed out to deep midwicket off Wellington Masakadza.

The momentum shifted dramatically the very next ball. Brian Bennett, in only his second over, trapped Shadman lbw for a well-made 120 off 181 balls — ending a sublime innings punctuated with 16 boundaries and just the second six of his Test career. His wicket marked a turning point as Zimbabwe began to tighten their grip.

Masekesa then announced himself in style. The 28-year-old legspinner, on debut, dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto with a turning ball that induced a miscued pull, caught by Nick Welch at short midwicket. He followed it up by removing Jaker Ali via a sharp caught-and-bowled, and later had Nayeem Hasan edging to slip for his third scalp. Masekesa's spell of 3 for 44 added vital bite to Zimbabwe's attack and capped an impressive debut performance.

In between, Mushfiqur Rahim struck some crisp boundaries and briefly steadied Bangladesh, but a mix-up with Mehidy Hasan saw him run out for 40, further tilting the day’s balance.

Going into Day 3, Zimbabwe can take heart from their spirited bowling comeback, particularly Masekesa’s emergence and the quick strikes in the final session. While Bangladesh still hold a lead, the game is delicately balanced — and Zimbabwe, with early wickets on Day 3, could push for parity.