Opener Tamim Iqbal’s patient half-century has helped Bangladesh to a comfortable 193 for 3 at the close of the first day of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Khulna.
Tamim (74 off 250 balls) and Shakib Al Hasan (13) were trying to throw a big total at the visitors at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium on Monday.
Tamim, who scored five and a duck in the two Mirpur Test innings, was dropped at slip after scoring his 17th half-century, on 58.
Bangladesh, who opted to bat, had a poor start losing Shamsur Rahman (2) trapped leg-before early by Elton Chigumbura. Although the appeal was turned down by the umpire, the visitors took a successful review.
Tamim and Mominul Haque then came together to add 72 runs for the second wicket. But Mominul (35) departed with a return catch to Tinashe Panyangara after lunch.
Mahmudullah, in at four, paired with Tamim to add another 95 runs to the hosts’ score.
With Tamim steady at one end, Mahmudullah (56) scored his fourth fifty in four consecutive Tests, 10th overall. His 152-ball innings, containing five boundaries, ended when Panyangara struck again, trapping the all-rounder in front.
Tamim and Shakib dealt with Zimbabwe bowlers safely through the rest of the day.
Although the tourists took only three wickets, they kept things under tight control, forcing Bangladesh batsmen to struggle for runs all through the day.
Panyangara was the pick of the Zimbabwe bowlers with 2 for 29.
Bangladesh made one change to their squad by bringing in pacer Rubel Hossain to replace Al-Amin Hossain, who signed off because of exams.
Trailing the series 1-0, Zimbabwe made three changes to their squad after losing the Mirpur Test.
Malcolm Waller has been brought to strengthen the batting, while Natsai M’shangwe and Brian Chari made their debut. Vusi Sibanda, John Nyumbu and Tafadzwa Kamun Gozi were left out.
Brief score:
Bangladesh: 193/3 (Tamim 74 not out, Shamsur 2, Mominul 35, Mahmudullah 56, Shakib 13 not out; Panyangara 2/29, Chigumbura 1/32).
Source: Bd news24
