Taijul takes five to put Tigers on top on day 3 in 2nd Test

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DHAKA, Nov 13, 2018 (BSS)- A five-wicket haul from spinner Taijul Islam helped the Tigers restrict the visitors to 304 in the first innings on the third day of the second and final Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at Mirpur on Tuesday.

The third day’s play came to an end following the fall of the ninth wicket after Zimbabwean batsman Tendai Chatara did not come to bat as he retired after being hurt.

It was apparent that the Zimbabwe batsman endured adequate discomfort while facing the Tigers’ spinners, especially Taijul Islam. Bangladesh declared their first innings at a mammoth total of 522 for 7.

After taking the scalp of Chakabva, Taijul became the third Bangladeshi bowler after Enamul Haque Jr. and Shakib Al Hasan to take five wickets in three successive innings.

The second and third sessions of the third day certainly belonged to Taijul, who worked up good swing for a consistent period of time. The only batsmen who had looked comfortable were Brendon Taylor and Peter Moor in the Zimbabwe’s dilapidated innings.

The duo also shared 139-run sixth-wicket partnership before debutant Ariful Haque removed Peter Moor to break the stand. Moor was on course for a ton before falling on 83. It was Ariful’s first over in this Test match and he managed to bag his maiden Test wicket with Moor’s scalp.

Brendon Taylor, who hit his fifth Test ton, went back to the pavilion after Ariful Haque. It was also his fourth Test hundred against Bangladesh, and it has come at a more important time rescuing his side from 131 for 5.

Following his ton, he struck Mehedi Miraz hard square off mid-on but Taijul Islam took an eye-catching catch to ensure Taylor’s departure from the wicket. Miraz then sent back Brendon Mavuta one delivery later as three quick wickets brought Bangladesh in the match before close of the third day’s play.

Earlier, Zimbabwe went to lunch with 100 for 3 in the first session of the day and Bangladesh picked up two more wickets after the second session as Zimbabwe lost Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza.

Taijul Islam forced Donald Tiripano (8) into a forward defensive shot and managed to get the outside edge. Mehedi Miraz took the catch at first slip as Zimbabwe are two down, having lost captain Hamilton Masakadza on the first day to Taijul as well.

Brian Chari has looked good with bat completing his half century but Mehedi Hasan struck on Zimbabwe innings dismissing Chari for 53 just before the lunch break. Chari hit six boundaries and two over boundaries during his 128-ball stay on the crease before giving a simple catch to Mominul.

Apart from Taijul Islam’s five wickets for 107 runs, Mehedi Hasan supported him with 3 for 61 runs.

Brief score:

Bangladesh 1st innings – 522 for 7(dec), Mushfiqur 219 n.o, Mominul 161, Mehidy 68 n.o, Mahmudullah 36, Jarvis 5/71, Chatara 1/34 and Tiripano 1/65.

Zimbabwe 1st innings – 304 for all, Taylor 110, Moor 83, Chari 53, Masakadza 14, Taijul 5/107 and Mehidy 3/61.