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Published : 30 Apr 2025, 10:12 AM
A rip-roaring allround show from Mehidy Hasan Miraz has powered Bangladesh to a crushing victory by an innings and 106 runs against Zimbabwe in the Chattogram Test inside three days.
Miraz first produced a batting masterclass under pressure, scoring a diligent 104, before ripping through Zimbabwe's batting with a superb 5 for 32 to single-handedly rout the visitors at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Wednesday.
Bangladesh racked up 444 in their first innings riding on Miraz’s century to take a 217-run lead in the first innings. The hosts then skittled out the Eagles for a measly 111 to register the win and draw the series level at 1-1.
The win helped Bangladesh break a streak of six straight defeats at home, against New Zealand, Sri Lanka and South Africa before losing to Zimbabwe in Sylhet in the first Test of the series.
Miraz’s 5-for was complemented by Taijul Islam’s 3 for 42 as the left-arm orthodox spinner took his tally of wickets in the match to nine after a six-wicket haul in the first innings.
For Zimbabwe, Vincent Masekesa was the only bright spot. He became only the third Zimbabwe bowler to claim a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
Zimbabwe were trailing by 217 at the start of their second innings shortly before tea. Opener Brian Brunett (6) was dismissed first, caught at second slip off Taijul, who also removed Nick Welch for a duck on review next.
Bangladesh right-arm offbreak Nayeem Hasan then snapped up Sean Williams for 7 before skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto dropped a sitter from his Zimbabwe counterpart Craig Ervine, on 16. And in came Miraz.
The 27-year-old finger spinner then struck thrice in a short span, reducing Zimbabwe from 69-3 to 74-6 in a decisive mini-collapse.
Ervine, who appeared resolved about discipline, missed a charge against Miraz and was castled for 25. The wily bowler then spun one back and trapped Wessly Madhevere in the front before taking out Tafadzwa, both out for ducks.
Wellington Masakadza holed out for 10 before Ben Curran, the opener who witnessed it all from the other end, fell as Miraz’s fifth scalp for 46, the topscore by far in Zimbabwe’s second innings.
Teetering on 98 for 8 in the fading light, the Zimbabwe tailenders tried to see through the day somehow but Taijul removed Richard Ngarava for 5 before Mominul Haque caught Masekesa short of the crease with a direct hit after play was extended by 20 minutes.
Earlier, Bangladesh resumed on an overnight 291 for 7 after a delayed start on the third day due to rain.
Miraz took charge in the morning as he kept the scoreboard ticking with support from Tanzim Hasan Sakib (41) and Taijul Islam (20).
He masterfully crafted his innings, displaying patience and intent to complete his second Test century off 143 balls, smashing 11 elegant boundaries and a six.
The right-handed batter was prolific against Blessing Muzarabani (1-83) and Wellington Masakadza (1-90), while the bowlers toiled with little help from the surface.
The allrounder’s vigil came to an end when he danced down the track but missed to be stumped off leg-break Masekesa (5-115), who completed a 5-wicket haul on his Test debut.
A flurry of wickets late on Tuesday had worried the hosts after a strong start to the innings, but Miraz’s determination has seen them bolster their total.
A heroic ton by opener Shadman Islam helped the Tigers take control of the second Test in Chattogram, giving them hope of a comeback win after a shocking loss to the Eagles in the first Test in Sylhet.
Delighted over the dominating show with both the bat and the ball, Shanto later said: “Brilliant performance. The whole team did a great job. The work they put in before the match, really happy [about it] and that is what we need to do consistently. I don't think it is too much pressure on us.
“We did not play good cricket [in the first Test], but we knew we could play good cricket here because we have done that a lot of times. We struggled a little with the opening partnership but the way Shadman and [Anamul Haque] Bijoy batted, really impressive.”
Adjudged the best player of the match and also the series, Miraz said: “I am feeling good. We lost the first match, we had to win this match. The boys were excited (for this match), the commitment…we played as a team.
“Credit goes to the bowlers. Taijul supported me. Tanzim and Hasan Mahmud showed their character and they gave us an opportunity for getting a century. I have also played for so many years. We have a lot of senior players. We have good seniors in the team and they keep supporting, on how to play these conditions. They have lots of experience. If we play together, we are definitely a very good team.”
Ervine conceded that Tigers had “batted Zimbabwe out of the game”.
“The first innings, we knew it was a really good wicket to bat on first. The first day, for a long period, we did a lot of things right but let it slip towards the end. 227 in the first innings, you are always behind the eight-ball. The way they (Bangladesh) batted, they batted us out of the game.”
On the fine performance with the ball by debutant Masekesa, he said: “The guys are really chuffed for him. He has a bright future, his attitude is outstanding. Getting five wickets on debut is outstanding.”
