TBS
Bangladesh must win the second Test to stay alive in the series as they face Zimbabwe, who lead 1-0 after winning the first Test in Sylhet. Zimbabwe won the toss in Chattogram and elected to bat first.
This match will see Tanzim Hasan Shakib make his Test debut for Bangladesh. The young pacer, who has been a regular in the limited-overs squad, will get his first chance in the longer format of the game. Shakib, who was part of Bangladesh’s Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2020, is eager to showcase his skills.
Alongside Shakib, Bangladesh’s playing XI has seen three changes. Anamul Haque Bijoy and Nayeem Hasan have also been included in the side. The team now comprises two pacers and three spinners. Shakib will partner with Hasan Mahmud in the pace department, while Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam will join Nayeem in the spin attack.
Mahamudul Hasan Joy and Khaled Ahmed have been dropped from the XI, while Nahid Rana, who has gone to play in the PSL, is also absent.
Zimbabwe, who lead the series after their victory in the first Test, have made two changes to their squad for this match.
At the time of writing, Zimbabwe are at 60/1, having faced a strong challenge from Bangladesh’s bowlers but managed to survive a few close calls in their second innings.
Early in the day, there was a dramatic moment when umpire Kumar Dharmasena gave Nick Wells out caught behind. Bangladesh’s players erupted in celebration, but a review showed that the ball had not touched his bat or glove. The third umpire also checked for an LBW decision, but the impact was found to be outside the off-stump, saving Wells.
Zimbabwe had started the day at 60/1, with Brian Bennett being dismissed for 28 runs off Tanzim Hasan’s bowling. The young pacer had been creating pressure from the start, but it wasn’t until the 11th over that he claimed a wicket, with Bennett caught behind.
Bangladesh XI: Anamul Haque Bijoy, Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali (wicketkeeper), Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nayeem Hasan, and Tanzim Hasan Shakib.
Zimbabwe XI: Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (captain), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wicketkeeper), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, and Vincent Masekesa.